Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Riemer.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always loved to work with my hands. Growing up I spent most my time outdoors and thrived on imagination. I would rummage through the garage for old scraps, paint cans and whatever I could find to build something with. My parents encouraged creativity and always made a big deal out of handmade gifts. So I guess you could say I’ve always felt artistic. However, my journey to becoming an artist began more recently. My friends and I would get together for craft days while we sipped mimosas and watched YouTube tutorials on how to make things. A full day of crafting would go by in the blink of an eye, and I remember thinking to myself, “Gosh, it would be so cool to do this full time someday!” And then I got pregnant with twins. It was around the time my maternity leave was ending that my husband and I had the big talk about going back to work. I couldn’t bear to be away from our girls, so I dove head first into creating my business. My niche for macramé came almost by accident. In the beginning, I was making wall hangings out of whatever materials I had laying around when I remembered a video I had seen about knots. At the time our girls were just a couple months old, so I would practice different knotting techniques in between nursing, changing and caring for them. I found it was therapeutic to have a creative outlet and loved the opportunity it gave me to work from home. There’s also something deeply nostalgic for me when it comes to macramé. I remember hearing stories of my mom creating tapestries in college, and we had them throughout our home growing up. I love that sort-of vintage style with a modern twist, so it feels like I was always meant to be a creator of fiber art. And what began as my love for creating became a desire to make this my living. And now I guess you could say I’m all in!
Please tell us about your art.
Well, I’m a fiber artist and a business owner. My business is called Ox & Nag, named after playful nicknames my husband and I have for one another. For the past couple years my focus has been creating modern macramé tapestries. Everything from large-scale wedding backdrops, to statement pieces for your home or office, to smaller items intended for gift-giving. The thing that inspires me most in life is witnessing people love one another by acts of kindness. Part of that for me is giving gifts and the joy it brings people. So my hope is that I might brighten someone’s day by creating something for them by hand. Macramé itself is just a series of knotting techniques, and I realized early on that I had a knack for it. I also find the entire process of how I create to be very fulfilling. From the hours I spend beachcombing for driftwood, to sourcing quality fibers, to dreaming up a design, creating it and finishing it off with a handwritten thank you. Everything feels like a part of my heart is being given to someone else, and I really believe that is my purpose in being an artist.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Gosh, that’s a loaded question. I think everything that affects us as humans might also affect the way we create or share our art. The art I create is a natural extension of my heart. Despite world events, if I’m remaining true to myself, my values and my faith, I feel as though I’m continuing to shine light in what might seem like a dark time in history. It’s easy to get caught up in the rat race. Lord knows I’ve tiptoed that line a handful of times. But at the end of the day kindness is key and community is everything. Success to me is measured by genuine kindness and the desire to make someone else’s life a little bit better than it was before. Whether that’s through my art, a message on Instagram or personal interaction, if I’ve brightened someone’s day by showing them the love I feel as though I’ve kept my focus on what truly matters. I try my best to portray that belief through how I run my business and treat people. I also think we’re experiencing an exciting time in history where more and more women are stepping into the role of business owners and creators. It’s a privilege to be a part of this movement and important to support one another the best we can.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Currently, I operate my business through Instagram and Etsy. I also have a few pieces in a boutique called the SOUL Project, and I enjoy teaching local workshops when my schedule allows. I’ve been fortunate enough to have my work featured in a few photo shoots, and I love creating custom orders which people can request via email. Last January 1st I launched the next phase of my business, Ox & Nag Fibers, where I’ll be providing the same quality materials I know and love to anyone interested in fiber arts. All materials will be available through my Etsy shop and distribution will be provided largely throughout the west coast, the US and worldwide.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.etsy.com/shop/oxandnag
- Email: myoxandnag@gmail.com
- Instagram: ox.and.nag
Image Credit:
Melissa Fe Chapman Photography / Photography by Ben & Kadin / Adventure Stories By Us / Kyrsten Ashley Photography / Jekalo Photography / Lisa Millan Rogers / Tess Farnsworth Photography
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