Title: From Tapestry to Transparency: A Weaver’s Journey

Speaker: Rebecca Smith

Description: Following a series of workshops with master tapestry weaver Archie Brennan in 1999, Rebecca primarily wove tapestries for the next 20 years. She will talk about her history as a tapestry weaver, covering three phases of development: traditional, southwestern, and sculptural and we will hear about her sculptural tapestry work which allowed for undulating surfaces and textural contrasts. She will provide insights into the transition she’s made from tapestry weaving to transparency weaving, covering the similarities and differences between the two approaches to woven art. During the pandemic, when everything in the world felt so heavy and dark, her transparencies provided an emotional lift because they are light and airy and for her, somehow, refreshing.

Rebecca’s work has been included in many National juried exhibitions and she teaches throughout the US. She is a member of California Fibers, a juried group of professional fiber artists. She is a Board member and active leader of the San Diego Creative Weavers’ Guild. She will be teaching at CNCH in 2026 and at Convergence 2026 in New Orleans.