Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Pannorfi.
Hi Gina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“Gina Pannorfi’s work explores color, texture, pattern and process. She employs techniques grounded in ancient tradition, and uses them to design and create unique textiles that embody both painting and sculpture. All of her work is created one piece at a time, by her, individually in her studio in Chicago.
In 2004 she created a collection of hand-dyed, hand-felted, silk and fine merino wool scarves and shawls. For the past 20 years, she has been traveling the country, selling her work at Fine Art and Fine Craft Fairs. Her work has also been carried in high end boutiques and museum stores world wide. Over the course of her felt-making career she has expanded her line into Home Decor; Creating a luxurious collection of hand felted silk and merino wool throws and wall hangings.
In 2017 she decided to revisit the practice of Batik, an old love of hers. Using this wax resist process she hand-paints and hand-dyes fabric, that is transformed into a collection of one of a kind tops, dresses and classic square silk scarves.
Gina Pannorfi is a graduate of The School of the Art Institute of Chicago. As her company continues to evolve, so does her unmistakeable style.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Haha! This journey has been an ever changing, dedicated life mission. I committed to making things by hand in what seems to be another world. When I was 23. I learned this business while the industry was using order forms, sales representatives, trade shows, knuckle buster credit card machines and C.O.D. My business started with a small collection of work that I presented twice a year in New York at trade shows; With a few retail events a year. That worked until 2008 when the financial crisis came. At that point things shifted, high-end boutiques and small galleries closed and the majority of my work became traveling to fairs and craft shows around the country. I found an incredible community in this “show” world. As time has passed, directors and committees have changed and the majority of the shows I now participate in, are outside. This comes with an entirely new set of challenges. The unpredictability of that environment is enough to make anyone question their life choices.!! 🙂 Within all of that, how we shop, has also evolved. I have had my own website since 2005. I have navigated the changes in technology and social media…. Which continues to shift at an insane pace. I am a one woman show. I love what I do. I love my colleagues and clients. I have built connections and relationships all over the country and world with folks i never would have encountered in any other way. This community is made up of people who appreciate beauty. It is built through imagination and dedication. Literally blood sweat and tears. It is one of the hardest ways to make a living. But the life i have built from it has been rich and fulfilling in unimaginable ways.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in hand made, one of one wearable art and decorative textiles. I am most proud of my naturally dyed(from personal food waste) large scale hand felted silk and merino wool felted throws and wall hangings.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Depending on what I am doing, i listen to music, non-fiction and a wide range of podcasts.
Pricing:
- $150-$4200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ginapannorfi.com
- Instagram: http://www.Instagram.com/ginapannorfi
