Jia Xi Li

Knitting can bring me satisfaction. I love explore materials, and knit is great way to combining them.

Q&A

What craft do you work with?

I work with knitted textile, and I have worked with this craft for almost 5 years. Knitting can bring me satisfaction. I love explore materials, and knit is great way to combining them.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

Knitting is very interesting technique with creative possibility. Although its a ancient textile technique, it can be combined with contemporary technology. There are so many new filaments and threads can be used in knitting. I am a textile artist who focuses on innovative knit practice. I am passionate about changing the soft nature of knit into solid presentation by combining diverse materials. Knitting is a inclusive technique. I like to see it starts from a linear thread to a 2D surface and to a 3 dimensional sculpture, knot by knot.

How do you start your creative process?

I start from processing the materials and yarns. I make them rigid first. Then, I start cutting and collaging. I feel satisfied and calm while collaging.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My workspace is full of everything I need. Its not big but good enough for my creative process. My knitting machine and my material collection are the most important thing in my studio.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

Through this Craft Hub residency in Kolding Denmark, artist Iben Høj introduces her innovative knitting technique. She knits huge installation with numerous knitting beds all together at once. I find it so interesting. If I have the chance, I would love to try that.

What have you learnt that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

I always want to combine traditional craft with contemporary interactive technology. I want to try conductive materials in the process of knitting and create interactive knit sculptures.

What have you learnt that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

My curiosity enables me to continue explore this traditional technique and to create something unique. Curiosity is motivating power force that every craft maker should have in every stage of career.

What other types of craft do you dream of collaborating with?

I would like to collaborate with wood craft.

What professional dream do you have?

I wish to create costume and theatre stage design for dance performance.