About the project
Gundula started weaving in 2015 when she brought home a large loom that she knew nothing about. It took her years to understand how weaving works and she’s still learning. Since large looms always mean a lack of space and tie her to a fixed location, she started experimenting with small looms. Gundula was looking for a mobile weaving tool which led her to design JOHANN and produce it at Happy Lab Vienna.
How does JOHANN work? Its holes and slots guide the threads. As JOHANN moves up and down, the threads of the warp are raised and lowered. The tension arises with your body. Once you are familiar with the main weaving techniques, you can continue experimenting with JOHANN anywhere. The craft of weaving is no longer as widespread in western countries as it was in recent centuries, but working with a tool like JOHANN could be a way to restore understanding of weaving on a small scale.
About the creative talent
Gundula Hickisch studied art history at the University of Vienna. She worked in the areas of museum education and textile design and has been involved in the craft of weaving since 2014. She mainly weaves pictures, gives weaving courses and accompanies beginning weavers in setting up their looms.