Maker We Love: Cecil St. Knots

Maker We Love: Cecil St. Knots

Name and Company

Janette Barbosa from Cecil St. Knots

Tell us about your brand

Every part of Cecil St. Knots has a purpose – the aesthetic, the products, and the creative process itself. I begin by only purchasing fibers from small businesses that source their products from sustainable and ethical processes. I choose to only create products that nurture my mental health and that I believe can offer a unique experience to customers. I create functional pieces that can be used in our day-to-day lives and art that is displayable in a space. Whether wearable or used as decor, you can trust that it was made with a lot of love and intentionality. For me, it is about the experience as much as it is about the quality of the product.As a business that focuses on contemporary macramé, I also work to push the boundaries of traditional macramé art. I enjoy using traditional knots and weaving techniques to create unique and abstract art pieces. You can find clean geometric figures as much as chaotic weavings within differently sized strings, rope, and yarns.Beyond my internal business goals, I have external goals: 1) continue taking part in the movement to have fiber art be recognized as fine art, 2) claim spaces that are traditionally white spaces and make it more welcoming for other historically marginalized identities.

What's your story?

I was born and raised in National City, CA, part of San Diego county. I am a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants, and I attribute my hard work ethic and love for diversity to my strong cultural roots. These ties deeply inspire my art and the way I navigate the world.I was diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD as an adult and while on the search for coping techniques, my husband suggested I try knitting. One day I got up, took the bus to Michael’s, and I had casted on stitches by the time I got home. This was my introduction to fiber art. In December of 2020, in an episode of deep depression, I chose to tend to my plants and surround myself by family. I could not afford expensive string and rope at that time, so I googled how to make plant hangers with yarn. This was my introduction to macramé.Both of these practices helped silence my mind by having me focus on the process of making. Each fiber has a unique texture that provides a different form of relaxation and peace. I am so lucky to have found healing through art (along with running). In the summer of 2021, with much encouragement from my sister and husband, I chose to make Cecil St. Knots official in order to share some of this energy with the world around me.

Neighborhood

Sharpsburg

What one product do we need to know about and why? 

The wristlet is my most popular product! It is so cute, functional, lightweight, and made with soft string.

In three words, why do you love Pittsburgh?

CreativityCommunity Humility

How can people find out more about you?

I am always open to collaborations and commissions! Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have via any of the platforms below.janettebarbosa@cecilstknots.comIG: @cecilstknotswww.cecilstknots.com

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