Massive Woven Wall Hangings Modernize the Ancient Art of Weaving

Textile Art by Tammy Kanat

Textile artist Tammy Kanat has an innovative approach to the traditional art of weaving. While a lot of weaving is done on rectangular looms, Kanat opts for a more organic shape and creates large-scale textile projects that are housed within circular forms. Her massive pieces incorporate fuzzy textures and rings of bright colors. This combination is magnetic; Kanat’s work begs for a long look to fully appreciate her range of wrapping, fringe, knots, and more.

Since we last covered Kanat’s woven art, she’s been busy working on new pieces that continue to push the boundaries of her craft. But there's another facet to her creations. For Kanat, weaving is fundamental to her well-being. “My art comforts me,” she tells My Modern Met. “It is my form of meditation, it is my salvation, my safe place. Colors inspire me, textures intrigue me, and the process of creating the work is so satisfying.”

Some of her most recent pieces include floral-esque motifs whose shapes inform both the inner and outer frames. And like flowers, Kanat arrives at these decisions naturally. “My work is intuitive, there are no plans, it just evolves and my hands start to dance with the threads,” she reveals. “I am always curious and try to change my techniques and patterns and continue to explore.”

Scroll down to see some of Kanat’s latest pieces. Then, look for more of her work—including work in progress—on her Instagram.

Textile artist Tammy Kanat creates unconventional woven art that is a dazzling mix of color and texture.

Textile Art Tammy Kanat

Textile Art Tammy Kanat

Textile Art Wall Hanging

Textile Art Tammy Kanat

Textile Art Wall Hanging

Woven Art by Tammy Kanat

Textile Art Wall Hanging

Textile Art Wall Hanging

Woven Art by Tammy Kanat

Contemporary Weaving by Tammy Kanat

Textile Art Wall Hanging

Textile Art Wall Hanging

Textile Art Tammy Kanat

Woven Art by Tammy Kanat

Tammy Kanat: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Tammy Kanat. 

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Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled 'Embroidered Life' that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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