Esther Loftis Medina
My presentation of Heritage White Pine Weaving is founded in a desire to preserve this little known traditional art form. White Pine Weaving was created and passed down through generations by people of the Appalachia. Known colloquially as people of the hills, they consisted historically of native Cherokee joined in the 1700s by Scotch-Irish Immigrants. Often denigrated, these people, although poor, were proud and hard working. This craft is rooted in love of nature and a desire to create beauty. White Pine Weaving is a labor-intensive art form taking 60+ hours to create and years to master. Pine needles are collected, prepared and woven, then decorated, coated with melted beeswax and baked to preserve. Traditionally Appalachian pine art was embellished with simple clay beads. I aim to pay homage to these roots but elevate the design by using ethically-sourced semi-precious gemstones. Lovingly continued to honor my ancestors, it is my hope that others will appreciate this traditional art form and thus play a part in preventing it from becoming lost in the mist of time.
