Sandra von Sneidern

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The work of Sandra von Sneidern reflects her heritage and life travels:

  • born in the USA to an Australian mother and Swedish father;

  • Swedish upbringing where several generations of the family were weavers;

  • her married life to a grazier raising five children; and

  • studies in early childhood education and teaching in Canberra.

Her talents as a professional weaver were enhanced by studies in weaving with Marcella Hempel, a Master Weaver who trained in Germany, obtaining a Certificate of Weaving and Textiles from Skeriol, Higher Education College, Mora, Sweden.

Sandra now an Accredited Professional Member of CraftACT. She has taught

  • rag rug weaving and loom craft for Handweavers and Spinners Guild NSW,

  • courses in rag fabric, and

  • rag rug weaving at Textile Fibre Forum and Loom Craft,

using a variety of warps and setts to illustrate the versatility of weaving with “rags”, and is a loom craft tutor of “Rags to Fabric” or reconstructed textiles, dress materials as well as tapestry floor rugs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sandra demonstrating weaving with "rags" during Braidwood's Heritage Day celebrations at Ryrie Park on 10 March 2007.

 

Sandra has exhibited in Sweden and at various Galleries and exhibitions across Australia, and published regularly in Australia, UK and USA.

With her skills firmly embedded in Swedish craftsmanship, Sandra has developed a unique use of different techniques to give perspective and texture to floor rugs, a ground braking achievement that makes designs more fluid.

“The Australian landscape, which I learned to love, now influences my choice of color and design. The nuances and shifting colors of seas, sand, grasses and bush are a constant source of inspiration. I ask myself: how can a filigree of branches, patterns of bark or watershaped rocks in a river be expressed in color and within weave structure. Possibilities are explored, and nature always presents exiting challenges. My main works are in floor rugs and wall hangings in either wool, cotton or “rags” using a variety of techniques such as kelim, inlay together with combinations of twill and weft-faced rib, and fabric lengths, table runners and mats.”