The Art of Hair Weaving
The art of hair weaving can be traced as far back as the 16th century, peaking in popularity in the 18th century. It was considered a mark of respect and adoration to adorn oneself with a locket containing the hair of a loved one, woven into an ornamental jewellery piece. Such items were highly valued and very much cherished; a way to mourn, remember and dedicate one’s love in a timeless work of art.
Hair is quite literally timeless, an inert and durable material lasting many centuries housed within the jewellery piece in which it was originally set.
Although once a highly prized and treasured craft, in today’s society there are only a handful of artists throughout the world producing this type of jewellery. Training opportunities are scarce - if not non-existent - and therefore the art is largely self-taught. An enormous amount of time is spent deciphering century old manuals and mastering different techniques involved in weaving hair, both requiring creativity, patience and a keen eye.
These pieces are produced through a meticulous process; first the hair is washed and cleaned, woven on a weaving table and finally the end product is set into the jewellery of choice for the owner to behold for a lifetime.
About the Artist Kimberley Ebbeck
Artist Statement
Through hair weaving I aim to revive and revamp the art form by allowing personal mementos to be worn in a contemporary and captivating way; stimulating conversation and intrigue.
As an Artist I desire for my jewellery to serve as a personalised and insightful object of reflection for the wearer to feel expressive, wholesome and unique.
Hair is the perfect medium for the expression of individuality as all types can be woven into a piece of art; curly or straight, human or animal - hair is a material of boundless expression.
Education
2015
Viking knit, Textile Support with Angharad Rixon
Explored a range of techniques experimenting with hair as the medium
2012
Community education in Rari, Chile, South America
Crin weaving techniques
2011
Stone Setting, Sturt Craft Centre, Mittagong NSW
2010
Weaving Workshop, Museum of Sydney, NSW
Traditional and contemporary indigenous weaving
2008
Sturt Contemporary Craft Centre, Mittagong, NSW
Weaving with Melanie Olde
2005-2007
TAFE NSW Sydney Design Centre, Enmore, NSW
Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design
Exhibitions/Residencies/Events
2016
Major focus on Commission pieces, Wedding Bands and Hairlooms custom order
Working on creating another one-of-a-kind little human, Woonona,NSW
Started working in a collaborative Jewellery Studio, Woonona, NSW
2015
Fashion at Twighlight, Thirroul Surf Club, NSW
Began Volunteering for Wild Rumpus- Skill Share Initiative
Vintage bazaar , Old Court House, Wollongong, NSW
Wild Rumpus Makers Market, Thirroul Anitas Theatre, NSW
Wild Rumpus Makers Market, Wollongong, Town Hall, NSW
2014
Created a Human Being, the most beautiful I’ve made in my life so far.
Vintage bazaar , Old Court House, Wollongong, NSW
Wild Rumpus Makers Market, Thirroul Community Centre, NSW
2013
Design Associate at Dinosaur Designs, Resin and Silver Departments, Strawberry Hills, NSW
Raw Awards, Accessories Designer of the Year
Showcased in Raw – Elevation, Wollongong, Town Hall, NSW
Local Current 2012-2013, Wollongong City Art Gallery, NSW
Wild Rumpus Makers Market, Thirroul Community Centre, NSW
2012
The year was 2006- Studio2017, Waterloo, NSW
Solo exhibition-Rapunzel, Good Jelly, Wollongong, NSW
Postcodes from the edge, Wollongong City Art Gallery, NSW
2011
Pecha Kucha- a night of Ideas, Wollongong, NSW
Commissioned for multiple wedding bands
Ravensthorpe Wedding Display, South Coast, NSW
Began Volunteering at Wollongong City Art Gallery
2010
Reality Vs. Illusion, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney
Cutting for Cancer, Moss Vale, NSW
Began Teaching at Sturt Contemporary craft centre
2009
All that Glitters, Gallery Red, Glebe NSW
Created Hairlooms Jewellery Business
Cutting for cancer, Moss Vale, NSW
2008
Sturt Graduate Residency program, Mittagong, NSW
Christmas showcase, Studio 2017, Waterloo, NSW
Youngblood Designers Market, Sydney NSW
Emerging designers exhibition, Paddington NSW
Jewellery Residency Exhibition, Sturt Gallery, NSW
Graduate Metal X1 Show,Light Square Gallery, SA
2007
Suite, Depot Gallery, NSW
Buda, Buda Historic Home and Garden, VIC
2006
Carrot, Depot Gallery 1 and 2, NSW
2005
Tracelines, Depot Gallery, NSW
2003
Sensation, National Art School, Darlinghurst, NSW
