Ashley Morken
For our collegiate month, we are hanging with Emily Groth – a student in her final year at MSUM who is creating macrame works under the name Studio 1318.
Tell us about yourself!
My name is Emily Groth, I am 21 years old and grew up in Fargo. I am currently attending MSUM and will be graduating in spring 2020 with a BA in Graphic Communications with a minor in Marketing. I work at a local insurance company as a graphic design intern in the brand and marketing communications department. I love going to concerts, traveling, fishing at the lake with my family and hanging out with friends!
What do you make under Studio 1318:
I create hand-knotted macrame wall hangings and plant hangers on found driftwood and branches. Macrame is a form of textile produced by using various knotting techniques. Decorating with wall hangings and plant hangers add texture to the otherwise flat walls of a room. Every piece I create is unique.
What is one of your most favorite items you have made?
My favorite macrame piece was knotted on driftwood that I found on the coast of Australia. It’s sort of a souvenir to me and reminds me of my goals to travel as often as I can! This specific design truly makes me proud! It’s the only wall hanging that I’ve decided to keep for my own home.
What are your most essential tools?
My hands are my most essential tools. I also have clothes racks where I hang the driftwood so I’m able to stand and knot. The only other tool I use is a scissor. It’s a fairly simple process. My studio space is in the spare bedroom of my home.
How has your business evolved over the past couple of years of doing it?
I started knotting under my lofted bed in my dorm room as a hobby. The macrame trend became increasingly popular around this time so I kept practicing my knots. I began creating custom wall hangings for friends and internet friends.
Eventually, I felt confident with my style and applied for my first craft show. Since then I’ve been participating in a few craft and art shows every year and have recently made my work available online. It’s exciting being an artist in the FM area because there are so many opportunities to share your artwork with others.
Where do you find your inspiration?
I find inspiration in macrame from previous decades and try to take a modern approach using their techniques.
What is your favorite thing about focusing on macrame?
It’s very therapeutic. It helps me unwind and relax because it’s kind of a mindless activity now that I’ve gotten better at my craft.
What is a word that best describes you?
Passionate. I dive in wholeheartedly into all of the creative work that I do.
What advice would you have given yourself three years ago?
Taking creative risks is the most important goal you can have for yourself. Get out of your creative comfort zone and try something new whenever you have the opportunity.
How do you balance being a student with creating things for your business?
I am very busy but that’s what I enjoy! I love having multiple projects to work through at the same time. Balancing work, school and business is another art form in my eyes. I get tired of being bored so I am always working towards personal and professional goals that I set for myself. Having goals and a plan to make them happen is exciting and helps me stay on track.
I practice time management by making lists and using a calendar. I always take time for my relationships, whether that be family or friends. Being a design student, working as a designer and creating macrame has instilled a new level of confidence in me. I am now a firm believer that you can do anything you put your mind to.
Where can people find your work?
I’m involved in community events like Unglued Craft Fest and pop-ups at local stores. To be in the loop of where I’m setting up shop next, follow me on social media. If you’re a business owner and interested in learning more about my art, please contact me by email at [email protected]
Ways to stay in touch:
You can browse my available pieces on my etsy shop studio1318.etsy.com. You can follow me on Instagram @studio1318 and ‘like’ my Facebook page.
Interview by Ashley Morken, Unglued
studio1318.etsy.com
@studio1318
