Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Wick.
Hi Emily, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a weaver, writer, and vintage clothing seller based in Grand Marais, MN. Writing has been a part of my life the longest, and I majored in Literature and Writing in college. After graduating, I pursued a career in communications in the Twin Cities. Still, the pull of living in northern Minnesota, which had been my dream since childhood, grew stronger throughout my 20s; in 2017, I got a job at a lodge on the Gunflint Trail and moved “up north” to live on the edge of the wilderness and pursue my writing more.
I discovered weaving, which is now the primary focus of my life, by accident. A small loom I had since childhood resurfaced at my parents’ home as they packed up to move, and I brought it back to Grand Marais with me. I began to teach myself to weave during a long Minnesota winter, and over time I became so enthralled with it that I began to weave every day. Through daily practice, experimentation, and trial and error, I gradually developed my style over the past four years and founded North Woven Goods. Today I am grateful to be pursuing my art nearly full-time. I weave wall decor, rugs, home goods like coasters and placemats, and jewelry.
My passion for textiles and thrift shopping evolved into my second business in 2020, Northern Shift Vintage. I sell online and at occasional in-person pop-ups in Grand Marais. I seek out unique secondhand clothing and give it a second life by getting into the hands of someone who will use it and appreciate it for years to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have certainly been struggles along the way. 2022 is the tenth anniversary of my diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes intense physical pain, treatment side effects, and uncertainty about the future. My illness affects me in some way every day, and while it has made life more challenging, I believe it also contributed to where I find myself today. Being diagnosed with a chronic illness so young led me to take action when I felt well because I was acutely aware that physical health isn’t a given and can change very quickly, and times of relative health are a privilege.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a tapestry weaver. My work is inspired by the beauty of northern Minnesota’s lakes and boreal forest, which I am lucky enough to call home. I think I am most known for my aurora borealis/night sky weavings and landscape designs. I particularly love the challenge of weaving circles, which requires creating a curved line on the grid of the loom with fibers such as wool, cotton, and alpaca. I also enjoy weaving color gradations, mountains, and bright, bold colors. In addition to wall decor, I also weave home goods such as coasters, placemats, and table runners. I hope to continue to explore these forms and expand into weaving other items in the future, such as throw pillows, rugs, and wearables.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memories center around traveling to Lake Superior’s North Shore area with my parents and siblings. For some time, we owned a parcel of land in the area, where we camped throughout my elementary and middle school years. We had many adventures exploring our 40 acres, discovering streams, beaver ponds, and wildlife. That time with my family instilled a deep love for the North Shore and a dream to live there that never subsided and led me to take the big leap of moving there full time in adulthood.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.northwoven.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily_wick_/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northwovengoods
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/northernshiftvintage
Image Credits
Personal photo credit: Laura Muus Photography All other photos: Emily Wick
