I’m Heather K. Powers, a textile designer, artist, organizer, and appraiser. Thank you so much for visiting.
A passion for interiors and textiles led me to study fiber arts and textile design as an undergrad at the Savannah College of Art and Design. This is where I fell in love with weaving. Weaving requires both planning and spontaneity; establishing a balance in these is a metaphor.
My analytical and intuitive process gives me a unique, balanced approach to design, organization, and the research and writing required for appraisals.
As I began my career, the textile industry in the USA was rapidly disappearing. I evolved my approach to design quickly as I raced to learn as much as possible before knowledge and skills disappeared. My career began at one of the oldest weaving mills in the US, Churchill Weavers. They hired me to set up new loom technology and transition their historic mill’s designs. While there, I learned the fundamentals of woven production design with historical relevance, while applying my understanding of the technology, products, and the people I designed for.
I quickly evolved from a woven textile design to carpets. Carpet design seemed more sophisticated and appealing to me than the mass-market consumer products. While at Tai Ping Carpets, I applied my knowledge and technical background to custom designs. My work involved collaborating with global interior designers and architects for hotels and commercial spaces.
My design career afforded me many opportunities to travel to mills, trade shows, and showrooms both domestically and worldwide. While in Thailand, China, and Italy, I observed the manufacturing of rugs, carpets, and textiles, which profoundly shaped my understanding of the skills required to develop effective, impactful products. I share my background because I will always see the projects I work on from a Design perspective.
I extended my knowledge of textile and craft practices through my MA in Critical and Historical Craft at Warren Wilson College. I continue my practice as a designer and maker today. My process includes various techniques, such as weaving, print, mixed media, and (mostly) natural dye. I am available for custom commissions and regularly show work. Please learn more about these services here. My creative social practice includes making, teaching, and designing textiles. Below are some samples of my carpet designs and fabrics. From time to time, I also share projects or processes I work with on the blog.
