Lisa Fontana

Weaver

©Stefania Bonatelli

Creative weaving, repurposed yarns and therapy through craft

Lisa is a textile artist specialising in hand weaving
Her signature works are the Libri Tessuti, a catalogue of artistic woven textiles
She is also an experienced and passionate art therapist

Born in Tuscany, a land rich in artistic and artisanal traditions, Lisa Fontana developed a vocation for artistic creation at an early age. She studied art from the age of 14, graduated in painting, specialised in artistic fabrics and graduated in art therapy at Brera. Lisa chose the path of hand weaving as her craft. Today, in her studio in Turin, she creates contemporary works of art, clothing and furnishing accessories, using natural and recycled yarns, and metal threads. A crucial aspect of her work is teaching, both the technical and creative skills connected to weaving. Lisa has a particular interest in art therapy projects, which often provide professional training as well. "Giving my artistic and human contribution to the female communities that carry on their fight every day is the part of my work that satisfies me the most," she says.

Interview

©Stefania Bonatelli

©Stefania Bonatelli

How did you decide to dedicate yourself to this craft?: I graduated in painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Carrara, where I was fascinated by fibre art. I attended courses in natural dyeing, weaving, felting, and then specialised with a master degree in textile and art fabrics at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence, in collaboration with the Fondazione Arte della Seta Lisio, where I learned to use infinite types of looms.
What fuels your creativity?: Humanity. Sometimes I find it in a book, or in a museum, during a trip or on the street. I am generally fascinated by ancient fabrics, because I am attracted above all to their history, which is also that of those who wore them. History shows its signs through the wear and tear of time and this for me is true beauty.
Is there a recognisable characteristic to your work?: All the fabrics I make are works in progress, because they are born from my two artist books, the Libri Tessuti, which are the result of research on various textile traditions. I believe hands have their own intelligence, revealing beauty only after having refined the technique. In addition, in the choice of yarns I am always very attentive to environmental issues.
What is the unique contribution of weaving in art therapy?: The thread is a vehicle for self-expression, and the loom is a space that can bring out the creative resources of each of us. Weaving allows us to weave our own canvas within ourselves. My task is to accompany people in the creative process, where a mutual exchange is established between them and the material. The therapeutic value is obtained from this relationship, which is fully manifested in the final work.

Lisa Fontana is a master artisan: she began her career in 2008 and she started teaching in 2008