Agnès Calas

Weaver

©Laetitia Lazizi

Precious textiles

Agnès weaves materials typical of the Mediterranean region
She also masters natural dyeing
She is dedicated to teaching her craft to others

Agnès Calas' interest in textiles stems from her family. Her great-grandmother, grandmother and mother have all inspired her love of weaving: "I have always been surrounded by women who worked with thread or fabric," she explains. Agnès expresses this heritage through her loom; by subtly combining natural noble yarns, she creates precious textiles, decorative wall panels and upholstery fabrics. After an education at the Atelier National d'Art Textile (École Nationale Supérieure de Création Industrielle), in Paris, she first focused her career on passing on her knowledge of textiles, teaching at the Universidad Mayor in Santiago, Chile, for a few years. In 2010, Agnès set up her own workshop in the south of France, to fully explore her craft and creativity.

Interview

©Julien Cresp

©Laetitia Lazizi

Why did you choose the art of weaving?: For the colour and the touch. I realised when I was studying design that 3D did not really suit me. I find comfort in the technical framework of weaving and it saves me from the anxiety of a blank page.
When and how did you get started?: After my studies, I worked at a university in Chile and then in a textile software company. I raised my children and waited a long time before having the space and the means to set up my own studio.
What was the first object you made back then?: When I started up the loom again, I first began by creating small series of cushions, and then I rapidly took part in the production of wall tapestries for the Chanel boutiques.
Does your work bear a particular connection with the territory?: I work mainly with warp linen produced in France and I am developing a collection made of cork, which is symbolic of the Mediterranean landscape. I also have woven shibori for lighting, and my plant dyes are all sourced responsibly near me.

Agnès Calas are master artisans: they began their career in 2010 and they started teaching in 2018