Marianne Kemp - Horsehair weaving

Marianne Kemp has developed a unique specialty in weaving with horsehair. Weaving new surfaces that are ‘different', not to be recognized as the ‘conventional' weaving, Marianne develops her own techniques in the weaving process. Using small bunches of horsehair, interwoven with linen or cotton, she creates exclusive fabrics in divers colors and surface textures. The horsehair is sourced from live horses overseas, mainly from the Far East, Mongolia. In the weaving process she manipulates the bunches through knotting, curling and looping. Because the horsehair has unique qualities like it's shine, texture and length, each final weaving demonstrates an individual and exciting design. Shiny and smooth - organic and wild - flexible and stiff. The way the light falls on the weaving, plays an important role in the process and to the final product. Each piece of work has it's own unique character through the use of colors and techniques. All weavings are made-in-house. In addition to working on commissions, she also makes installations for exhibitions. Her woven upholstery fabric is also available as the ‘MK' brand, mechanically woven at John Boyd Textiles, UK.