Claudia Wool: Weaving Your Way to Well Being
What did you use to do during recess?
I was rather withdrawn and had a small group of friends. But when I was older I had my own radio during recess and it could be heard throughout the school. I was also in charge of the wall newspaper in my classroom and when the recess bell rang no one left the room because they crowded around reading and I laughed out loud.
Did you think of yourself as a creative kid? What does creativity look like for you these days?
Even though I had been writing stories since I was a child, the truth is that I never thought about it until I was in college studying journalism. There I had a subject on narrative writing, in which I did quite well. But then, in my working life in charge of internal and external communications in a health clinic, I had to be very creative to solve numerous and diverse difficulties. And there I didn't think I was being creative either. It was my own coworkers who perceived me as a super creative person. But then, in my textile practice I was able to pour all that creative capacity consciously and intentionally. It has truly been a “before” and an “after” in the way I relate to the world and to my own well-being.
How much time do you get to work on creative projects?
As your children grow and become more independent, you will have more freedom and time to create. When they were younger I was always with a notebook writing down ideas that I couldn't develop at that moment. Now I still make my lists, but I am developing them in less time and I can allow myself to dream of more ambitious projects. Currently I can spend about 3 hours a day executing a project in development, although I am always thinking, recording and taking notes.
How did motherhood change your creative practice?
It definitely amplified it, as it gave me a new perspective, a vastly improved perspective. Motherhood nourished my life, and consequently, my creative practice.
When do you feel most creative?
Generally in the mornings and evenings. In the middle of the day I am an amoeba without form or consistency and with luck I solve household matters like cooking, shopping, organizing and cleaning.
What do you do when you feel burnt out or filled with doubt?
I generally turn to my colleagues and references. I'm sure they felt that way too and managed to move forward. It is always good to share your feelings and thoughts with people who work in the same field and environment as you. Chances are, your experiences will be an inspiration to others.
How can we support and encourage each other more?
Doing what you do: spreading the work of creative mothers to create an immense community of women where we can learn from each other, network and be inspired.
What would you bring to a favorites party?
Paper, crayons, wool, needles and a lot of beer.
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is a Chilean textile artist, journalist and master in Cs. Social. She is the mother of 2 children: 19-year-old Bastián studies film in Valencia, and 12-year-old Gaspar studies homeschooling.Claudia has trained with artisans, artists and master tapestry makers in Chile and abroad. Over the last year she has embraced a nomadic life, touring part of Europe in a motorhome in search of new experiences, knowledge and inspiration for her work. She produces the audiovisual series about her trip called Diario Viajero 2.0 on YouTube. You can also follow her on Instagram, visit her website, and follow her on Substack.
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Hi! I’m Heidi. Writer. Editor. Mother. I’m interviewing 100 creative mothers, because I believe the more we see other mothers making beauty and meaning in small moments, the more we will be inspired to make our own kind of art, whatever that may look like during this intense season of life. Support the project by sharing with a friend.