Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Nguyen.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My love of art, textiles and color stemmed from a young age, spurred along with guidance and knowledge from my mother, a seamstress and quilter. I enjoyed creating throughout my childhood and went on to major in Art and Art History at the College of Charleston where I ended up managing the Theatre Costume Shop upon graduation. During that time, I was introduced to Mary Edna Fraser and the world of batik dyeing. I took a formative class in shibori at the Penland School of Crafts with Yoshiko Wada and studied with master textile artists in roketsuzome (Kiranada Sterling Benjamin) and katazome (Akemi Cohn).
I officially began my textile business in 2005 and have been exhibiting hand-dyed, intricately stitched clothing nationally in juried craft shows such as the Smithsonian Museum of Art Craft Show, the Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show and Craftboston as well as high-end boutiques, galleries, and museum shops. Five years ago, I moved to Midway Studios in Boston and set-up my textile studio where I’ve been lucky to work with talented fiber and fashion majors from local schools including Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Many have started as interns, become employees and are now up and coming in this creative world. My husband, Ky, regularly has his hands in dye pots in our small studio where we carefully focus on respecting the environment and natural world through the creation of textiles and sustainable clothing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No. Absolutely not. Is anything ever a smooth road?
I would say there have been trials and errors in the technical part of the work as well as finding my own sense of aesthetic. I enjoy those challenges and they are part of my daily world – part of my growth edge as an artist. The creative challenges have also been compounded with the ever-present hurdles of running a small business. I always have to ask myself how I can differentiate myself from other businesses while staying true to my core beliefs and gut instincts. The outside world sees the beauty an artist creates, but rarely do they see the struggle of the artist in finding space, time and resources.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Amy Nguyen – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I consider my business a specialty textile studio that focuses on sustainable clothing. Here in my Boston studio, clothing is created that is at once art, craft and fashion. My work evokes emotions, is made using skilled technical craft, and is current and relevant today. Age-old resist dyeing methods combined with the use of various stitch techniques and manipulation of fabric have been a primary focus for the last ten years. With each piece, I work to create balance using both physical and visual texture on a single expansive piece of white cloth through mark-making, color and textural components. I thoroughly enjoy the process of realizing something from 2D to 3D, so it has always made sense for me to direct art and textiles into something functional and to push boundaries.
My practice of tai chi, qigong and meditation reflects my interest in mind/body connection and the art of healing. I believe this sets me apart and allows my work to speak to those who recognize the importance of paying attention to what we put closest to our bodies.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My immediate plans are to travel to Japan to expand on my knowledge of natural dyeing techniques.
I have a couple of things in my mind for the future that I am thinking about. I can say that this trip to Japan will help me to solidify where my work belongs and will help me answer some questions regarding the direction of my work. I really enjoy all that Boston/New England has to offer and am beginning to feel rooted here, one of the oldest areas of textile history in our country. Time will tell!
Contact Info:
- Address: Midway Studios Boston
- Website: www.amynguyentextiles.com
- Phone: 917-838-8215
- Email: amy@amynguyentextiles.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/amynguyentextiles
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/amynguyentextiles
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/ANtextiles
Image Credit:
Clothing hand-dyed and stitched by Amy Nguyen, photography by Torkil Gudnason
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