Artist rides the wind

By Kelly Jirsa

1.26 Denver Biennial Sculpture, Janet Echelman.
1.26 Denver Biennial Sculpture, Janet Echelman.
Janet Echelman is an American artist who discovered what inspiration truly is when she had to think on her feet.

Janet Echelman has created public works like no other; her awe-inspiring gigantic sculptures gently loom over international cities.

In a TED talk she explains how when her paints didn’t arrive in time for an exhibition deadline, while on a residency in Indian, she had to rethink what it means to be creative and innovative.

Shifting her focus from her usual method of painting, she turned to reimagining traditional crafts like lace and ancient fishing net tying or knotting. The new approach has resulted in profound works of public art.

Echelman has worked with engineers and the fishing industry to build software to help build these large-scale works. The work honours the ancient techniques used for centuries, creating ethereal spaces for everyone to enjoy.

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