ABOUT THE ARTIST
I'M SARA LUNA
I am a fiber artist currently living and creating in Salt Lake City, UT, though I was born in Chile and carry the vibrant culture and traditions of my homeland with me in my work. My artistic journey began with my pursuit of degrees in visual arts and digital illustration, which laid the foundation for my exploration into the world of fiber art.
My first love in this medium was the punch needle, and I quickly became enamored with the intricate patterns and textures I could create with this unique tool. However, as I continued to develop my skills and explore new techniques, my work has evolved to include weaving and cross-stitching as well.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my craft is the process of hand-spinning my own yarn, which I then use to create my pieces. I find joy in creating gradients that are completely unique to my style, and in the tactile experience of working with natural fibers.
Through my art, I strive to honor the beauty of traditional Chilean textiles while pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this medium. My work is a reflection of my passion for portraits, and my dedication to my craft is evident in every piece I create.
In my artistic journey, I like to explore the enigmatic realm of human existence, capturing the essence of our shared experiences and the silent narratives that dwell within. My choice to create portraits without eyes and eyes without faces is a deliberate attempt to delve into the profound mystery of our inner selves. Through my work, I invite the audience to question the conventional understanding of portraiture and to contemplate the unseen narratives that bind us all. In the absence of eyes or faces, my art becomes a reflection of the universal human condition — a poetic exploration of the hidden, the ephemeral, and the timeless aspects of our shared existence.
ABOUT THE PROCESS
As a contemporary Chilean fiber artist, I draw inspiration from the rich history and traditions of my home country. Through my work, I seek to honor the legacy of indigenous textile arts, while also bringing a modern perspective to these age-old techniques.
One of the things that set my work apart is my commitment to using only hand-spun yarn in my pieces. This allows me to create truly one-of-a-kind pieces that are full of texture and depth. I love the way that the natural variations in the yarn add to the overall character and personality of my work.
THE PROCESS
STEP ONE
The first step in the process of making the yarn is to acquire the fiber to dye. The wool I use is sourced from Argentina, I like to support farmers from South America, and this way I ensure high-quality and sustainable production.
Once I receive the wool, I dye and mix the fibers to create a gradient and prepare it for spinning.
STEP THREE
Once I have the entire gradient of yarn I can start working on the piece of art. I first weave the base that I will use as a canvas, and then I use the gradient of yarn to paint the image using a simple stitch technique.
STEP TWO
Using a spinning wheel, I twist the fibers together to create a continuous thread. I spin 8 tones of gray which I will use to create the art, and then finally wash the spun yarn to set the twist.
The unique variations in texture and color that result from hand-spinning add character and depth to the final piece, each one of them is a testament to the time. From sourcing the wool to spinning it into yarn and finally weaving and stitching it into a finished piece, every step of the process is a labor of love.
In The Studio
