Bhakti Ziek facts for kids

Bhakti Ziek (born Judith Anne Ziek on June 6, 1946) is an American artist. She is well-known for her unique woven artworks. These artworks often tell stories. She uses modern weaving machines called Jacquard looms. Bhakti has been an artist, writer, teacher, and speaker for over 40 years. She lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Bhakti Ziek's Early Life and Learning

Bhakti Ziek was born in New York City on June 6, 1946. She first studied psychology at SUNY at Stony Brook. After that, she moved to Manhattan. There, she learned how to weave at the Crafts Students League.

In 1971, Bhakti traveled to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. She went there to study different crafts. The next year, in 1972, she moved to Guatemala. She lived there until 1976. While in Guatemala, she learned a special way of weaving. She learned backstrap weaving from Mayan women. This is a traditional way to weave using a simple loom tied around the weaver's body. Later, she helped write a book about it. The book was called Weaving on a Backstrap Loom.

Bhakti continued her education. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree. She got this degree from the University of Kansas in 1980. Early in her art career, she became known for her wall hangings. These pieces used colorful threads called warps. She also used a technique called weft brocading. Her art was shown in a famous exhibition. It was called "Frontiers in Fiber."

Bhakti Ziek's Teaching Career

Bhakti Ziek earned her Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in 1989. She studied in the Fibers Department at Cranbrook Academy of Art.

In 1990, she became a professor. She taught at Philadelphia College of Textiles & Science. There, she helped start a special program. This program was for students studying textile design. She was recognized for her excellent teaching. Bhakti also taught at the University of Kansas from 2000 to 2002. She was also a visiting professor at Arizona State University. This was from 2007 to 2008. She has also taught summer classes. These were at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Bhakti Ziek's Art and Weaving

Bhakti Ziek first became known for her detailed weavings. She used painted threads called warps. She also used a technique called supplemental weft brocade. She wrote articles explaining these weaving methods.

Later, her art became part of a movement. This movement focused on telling stories through art. Her artworks are now in important collections. You can find them at the Philadelphia Convention Center. Her art is also at The Museum of Arts and Design.

In 2012, Bhakti Ziek received a Creation Grant. This grant was from the Vermont Arts Council. It helped her create new art.

• Works by Bhakti Ziek
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  Crabapple

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  Counting

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  Focused Distraction

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  Math

Published Works

Bhakti Ziek has also written books and articles. These share her knowledge about weaving and art.