Jill Hankins, b. 1971
Jill Hankins is a hand weaver and textile artist based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Originally from Southern California, she relocated to New Mexico in 2001 to complete a Bachelor of Psychology from the College of Santa Fe in 2003, and a Master in Library Science from Texas Woman’s University in 2006. After several years working as a librarian, she bought a camera and enrolled in the Bachelor of Fine Arts program at the University of New Mexico. During the course of her studies she took a weaving class and fell in love with the loom. Before long, she acquired her own inkle loom, followed by an 8 harness standard floor loom. Jill was awarded an internship with the Handweaver’s Guild of America in the summer of 2024, and has exhibited her woven textiles in numerous group shows. Her art practice is focused on creating sustainable, functional textile art pieces woven in natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and wool.
Artist Statement
As a handweaver and textile artist, my work is deeply rooted in the intersection of traditional craft techniques and contemporary sustainable practices. Through my creations, I seek to bridge the gap between functional objects and artistic expression, challenging the notion that utility and beauty can be one in the same.
My artistic process begins with a profound respect for the natural materials I work with - primarily cotton, linen, and wool. These fibers, with their inherent textures and sustainable qualities, serve as both my palette and my muse. By choosing sustainable, biodegradable materials, I aim to create pieces that not only enhance our living spaces but also honor our connection to the natural world.
The act of weaving, for me, is a meditative practice that connects me to a long lineage of artisans who have worked with fibers for millennia. As I sit at my loom, I find myself in a dialogue with the past, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of what handwoven textiles can be in our modern context. Each piece I create is a careful balance of woven structure and creativity, where the rigid grid of the warp becomes a canvas for exploration through color, texture, and pattern.
Functionality is at the core of my artistic philosophy. I believe that art should not be confined to gallery walls but should integrate seamlessly into our daily lives. Whether it's a intricately patterned table runner, a cozy throw blanket, or a set of kitchen towels, my goal is to elevate everyday objects and fashion into works of art that bring joy and beauty to routine activities.
Sustainability is not just a buzzword in my practice; it's a guiding principle. By creating durable, timeless pieces, I hope to counter the culture of disposability that plagues our modern world. Each textile I weave is designed to last, to be cherished, and to age gracefully, developing character over time.
Through my work, I invite viewers and users to slow down, to appreciate the embodied qualities of handmade objects, and to consider the value of integrating sustainable, artisanal pieces into their lives. My creations are a testament to the enduring power of traditional crafts and their ability to enrich our modern existence in meaningful, tangible ways.