Kim Thompson, weaver
“The practice of weaving was invented as early as 27,000 years ago, making it one of the oldest forms of human technology”. Artsy Editorial, Oct. 31, 2016

However, Kim has not been weaving quite that long, she fully embraces the challenge of continuing this ancient art form using a variety of materials. Her weaving is inspired by the flora and fauna, colors, and textures found in Hawaii and Oregon, where she spends her summers. Fall colors of maple trees in rust, golds, and greens; salmon rippling through the coastal rivers in spring, and the roses and perennials in Oregon woodland gardens all inspire the many hand-dyed and woven scarves reminiscent of the Oregon Coast.

The volcano and “Madam Pele” inspire the ‘Lava Flow’ and fiery orange/red pieces. Tropical fish, peacocks, orchids, and ocean waves are represented along with the strong Asian influence of hand-dyed indigo Ikat and ‘Sakiori”, woven strips of Japanese Kimono silk from Hawaii.

Kim uses many weave structures and creates scarves, shawls, hangings, towels, table mats, and runners in various yarns; many hand-dyed using natural dyes found in Oregon and Hawaii. She strives to create iridescence in her vibrant color choices. Enjoy a short video of Kim explaining her weaving on a floor loom.

Using a process called Eco Printing, she re-creates plant images on silk and paper. Leaves, flowers, pieces of bark, and dry dyestuffs are compressed against the silk or paper, then tightly bound using metal plates and rods, and immersed into a natural dye bath. When opened, the one-of-a-kind pieces reveal leaf and flower impressions and colors, as well as the natural dye used.

Resist ‘shibori’ techniques are used to create woven scarves and fabric, which can be sewn into quilts and clothing, or cut into strips to be woven. The eco print paper images are made into greeting cards and are frequently embellished with small weavings.

Kim’s work has been shown in juried exhibits in Honolulu and the Big Island, Portland and Coos Bay, Oregon; Bellingham, Washington; and is found in many private collections across the mainland.