Minna Rothman comes from a long tradition of weavers and makers. She was recognized in her early years for music and poetry, and now creates tapestries inspired by the emotions stirred by living in a time of rapid change and uncertainty.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
I’ve been immersed in the world of visual arts, poetry, writing, and design since I was very young.
One of my earliest memories of art comes from a large oil painting in my parents’ home. As a child, I was often told to calm down by turning away from the room and facing the wall. But the wall was far from empty; it featured a painting of a woman in a flowing red dress, holding two horses.
I can still recall the vivid image of her dress draping along her figure and the contrast between the manes of the white horse and the bay.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.
Since those early days, art has become my refuge, and it continues to be to this day.
Tell us more about how you got started weaving tapestries.
In my early education, I was not recognized as an exceptionally talented artist but I was recognized in music and poetry and taste for beauty around me.
I come from a long tradition of weavers and makers.
My grandmother was an educated and accomplished kilim [tapestry-like flat weave] weaver from Pirot (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirot_carpet), and I grew up surrounded with weavings of exceptional beauty and quality. Click here (6 min podcast invited by the University of Copenhagen) to learn how I became a tapestry artist.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I draw inspiration from the emotions stirred by living in a time of rapid change and uncertainty.
My thoughts and inner world often take shape within real landscapes that have left a lasting impression on my life.
In nature, I find a deeper sense of awareness and understanding, as its beauty allows me to connect with the wisdom within.
Does your work have stories to tell?
My art delves into themes of identity, relationships, and social justice, using color, texture, and abstract forms to convey these ideas.
I aim to create spaces for reflection, dialogue, and deeper understanding through my work.
My goal is to craft tapestries that are not only visually striking and structurally strong but also emotionally resonant. Each piece tells a story—whether personal or universal—through a fusion of design, weaving, and fiber exploration.
I strive to create meaningful, enduring, and beautiful works that leave a lasting impact.
The wind is a symbol of unity and freedom, transcending the barriers imposed by geography, politics, and culture. Indeed, the wind knows no boundaries – it traverses vast landscapes, crossing borders effortlessly and without bias.
As it moves with unrestricted freedom, the wind encompasses the diversity of climates and terrains, manifesting as both gentle breezes and powerful storms. Its impartial nature serves as a poignant reminder that nature itself recognizes no distinctions of nationality or allegiance.
Drawing parallels between the wind and humanity, highlights the inherent interconnectedness of all people. Like grains of sand within a dune, each individual possesses unique characteristics and experiences, yet together, they form a cohesive whole. Despite our differences, we are united in our shared humanity, bound by the common thread of existence.
Through this analogy, the strength that emerges from diversity and unity is underscored. Just as the wind gathers momentum through the collective movement of air molecules, humanity finds power in its diversity, coming together to create a force greater than the sum of its parts.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like? How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?
I have a studio home to a couple of vertical tapestry looms. Filled with natural light, it’s a bright and inspiring space where I weave for about three hours each day.
Mornings are my preferred time to work, though my schedule sometimes varies. Weaving brings me joy, making my studio a sanctuary—a place of solace amid life’s daily demands. Visitors often sense the same peaceful energy, making it a truly special place.
What plays in the background while you work? Silence? Music, audiobooks, podcasts, movies? If so, what kind?
I weave in silence, as handwoven tapestry is, for me, a deeply narrative art form. Each piece is rooted in my original drawings, paintings, collages, and photographs, which guide the overall composition. However, it is the weaving itself that truly brings the tapestry to life. The movement of fibers under the weaver’s hand becomes an intimate conversation between artist and medium.
The result is a tactile creation—an actual tapestry that stands as a witness to human thought, telling the story of its time. There is no place for destruction in the act of weaving.
Yet, once the weaving is complete, the finishing process begins—a series of meticulous, mechanical actions such as sewing and stitching. During this phase, I often listen to audiobooks or immerse myself in classical and jazz music, allowing the rhythm of sound to accompany the final stages of my work.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time? Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?
I typically weave two to three medium-sized tapestries each year and prefer to focus on one project at a time.
Many of my tapestries already exist in my mind, and it’s the circumstances that decide when the time is right to bring a particular piece to life.
However, not every project goes according to plan. When that happens, I find it helpful to set the work aside for a while. The tapestry itself guides the process, and if it seems to stall, it’s often a sign that it needs a “break”.
During these times, I might start a smaller piece on a loom at home. These side projects are often inspired by a new exhibition call, or by experimenting with new yarns or techniques I’m eager to explore.
Last year I was a part of a group project called Murmuration Collaboration. My blog on their Substack page https://murmurationcollaboration.substack.com/ describes how my motivation comes to fruition.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
The final stages of completing a tapestry can be the most tedious, but also the most rewarding. It’s a moment of great satisfaction, like watching a child take its first steps into the world.
Cutting the tapestry off the loom feels like sending it out to tell the story of our era.
The real challenge, however, lies at the beginning—developing the color scheme. The way the yarn interacts with light often challenges conventional color theory.
Moreover, selecting the technique and thoroughly planning the piece can be time-consuming, often taking longer than the actual weaving process itself.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
As a child, I loved designing dresses for my dolls and making them by hand. One day, my grandmother, the weaver, visited and saw me sewing. She told me, “You have golden hands. You will be able to create anything you desire in life.”
Over the years, this proved true as I developed an ability to understand how things work, including Nature.
Although I was trained as a physicist, her words guided me through my professional career. Later, in retirement, when I sought a new way to unleash my creativity, her advice led me to the intricate art of tapestry weaving, bringing me immense joy and happiness.
Where can people see your work?
As tapestry making is a slow and meticulous process, my body of work is relatively small. I primarily exhibit in juried art shows, both domestically and internationally. For the best view of my work, my website is the ideal place to explore the narrative of my tapestries. https://www.mzrstudio.com/
As a member of several art galleries my art is also displayed on ARTNET.
Instagram: minnarothman
Interview posted March 2025
Browse through more weaving projects and inspiration on Create Whimsy.