ferne jacobs

los angeles, ca

Ferne Jacobs (b.1942) of Los Angeles, California, has been at the forefront of the revolution in fiber art since the 1960s. Reinventing and advancing traditional basket-making techniques, Jacobs innovated an entirely original genre of sculpture, which she remains committed to today. Her organic yet solid structures are constructed using coiled and twined waxed linen thread. Unencumbered by the restrictions of a loom, her process enables her to move freely between colors and forms using only her hands. In the 1970s, Jacobs studied at Claremont Graduate University and sought out mentorships with the leading fiber experts, including Lenore Tawney and Olga de Amaral. Her sculptures have appeared in museum and gallery exhibitions across the globe and reside in esteemed permanent collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York); the Museum of Art and Design (New York); the Museum of Fine Arts (Boston); and the De Young Museum (San Francisco). A visionary and master of her craft, Ferne Jacobs’ 50-year career has been dedicated to transforming an ancient medium, making it relevant in the modern world.