Episode 16 - Evelyn Politzer

I feel like I know Evelyn Politzer forever. I have been seeing her yarn, thread, and fabric exhibits all over Miami for years, especially airline terminals, parks, and a vast array of galleries.  Her work makes you stop and stare. You can’t believe what this woman can do with soft hand-dyed fibers to create unconventional pieces ranging from small two-dimensional tapestries to monumental projects. She is definitely a pioneer in this area of art.

I know a secret about Evelyn. Shh, don’t tell anyone. While she is a leading fiber artist for a few decades now, she actually never knitted a sweater. It’s difficult to  believe considering all the millions of people who knit a sweater every year. Evelyn has been spending her time conquering art exhibits all over the world.

I have tried to meet Evelyn for years but I keep missing her at her exhibits. She either left before I showed up or she was at one of her other exhibitions. Then a few weeks ago Evelyn and I were at the same event and she made sure we finally shook hands, or in this case hugged. I knew I wanted to interview her on my podcast so I made her agree to it that night.

Evelyn started her practice  in her native land of Uruguay, a country where sheep outnumber human inhabitants, and where wool and other natural fibers continue to be an essential tool for people’s livelihood, especially women. The relationship between the fibers she works with and the place where she was born evokes the comfort of belonging, no matter where she is in the world.

Thank you Evelyn for joining us.