COURTNEY COSGRIFF
Retro Inspirations, weaving, 30”x34”, 2020
I have always been drawn to warm and cool tones. When mixed together, they create the perfect retro rainbow. I romanticize a past I was never a part of because I love the colors, patterns, and textures of the 60s and 70s. I love taking inspiration from that era because people weren't afraid to put color in their homes and lives. I hope this piece reminds people to have fun with your decor and that not all art is a test to how serious you can be.
Retro Earth, weaving, 30”x40”, 2023
Something about retro-inspired earth tones makes me feel warm and cozy inside. I hope the textures and colors of this piece make people feel like coming home to sit by the fire with a warm drink.
Why Water Street?
Having my work selected by the staff at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s Water Street Health Center is not an honor I take lightly. While I stated above that art doesn't have to be serious, I do believe that all art is important and has the potential to positively impact lives, families, organizations, and even societies. While I know PPWI provides routine services for patients, I know some patients may be processing more difficult health care decisions at Water Street. I hope my art can make people feel a little lighter during their visit.
More about the artist:
I am a fiber artist and weaver living in Madison, Wisconsin. While I have only been weaving since 2018, I truly believe in the power of continuing the tradition of folk crafts and arts. The simple act of over-under weaving has been around for centuries and I think it’s so important to remember a craft’s roots and where it started from. A big part of weaving is fiber selection. Selecting fibers for a project and seeing how all the different colors, textures, and weights interact truly brings me so much joy even before I begin the act of weaving. Color is such a big motivator and inspiration that allows me to come up with new color combinations and weaving patterns. I am constantly finding new color and pattern inspirations in nature, graphic design, retro labels, and more. Weaving is something I practice every day and I hope that I always love it as much as I do now.
