On Natural Inspiration And Metaphorical Community Gardens: Tawa Threads Creator Tabria Williford
Today, we’re chatting with one of The Front Market’s Fall 2022 vendors Tabria Williford of TAWA Threads.
✰ ABOUT TABRIA WILLIFORD
“I’m a self-taught designer who enjoys working and experimenting with art and functionality. Art is an integral part of my life, so I spend a lot of time appreciating our daily interactions with objects and the world around us and how that can collide with art. Outside of art, I love getting outside and finding ways to be at peace. I love a good hammock nap. Additionally, I’m a total foodie and have probably been to every Thai food restaurant in Austin.”
Q: When did your interest in the outdoors begin?
A: Funny thing is when I was two, I was terrified of grass—I know, very strange and irrational fear—but, around the age of six, I remember spending a lot of time in the sun collecting and playing with small things like pebbles and acorns.
I remember visiting Guadalupe River State Park when I was eight with my friends and feeling really excited about it being fall and bundling up to watch the stars.
Q: Our latest market theme was “Metaphorical Community Garden.” What does this mean to you?
A: Nurturing our own community gardens means finding unique ways I can provide offerings that bring my community closer together. I always felt like art was such an important part of my life, so I envisioned creating some form of artistic opportunities for my community.
Hosting art shows is one way I’d imagine this coming to fruition, but I’d love to provide classes or workshops focused on teaching art and empowering individuals to take their creative passions to the next level.
Q: What inspires your designs?
A: A lot of my designs are inspired by nature and landforms. I often find myself deconstructing the terrain into simple shapes and experimenting with ways I can play with movement. I’ll ask myself questions like, “How do I see myself moving through the land?” or “What are the things I hear?” or “How does something feel in my hand?”
It’s always exciting when I feel I’ve created a sensorial experience through my art using lines, shapes, and colors. My new and upcoming designs are focused on how art can be practical but also bring newness in functionality. To put it simple, I’m inspired by the way we interact with well-designed objects and the ways we can become more interconnected to the art around us.
Q: What’s somewhere you haven’t been yet but would go on the drop of a hat if the opportunity presented itself?
A: Singapore, I’m so fascinated by the architecture! There seems to be so much good contemporary architecture with diverse influences from around the world. A lot of their buildings focus on sustainable design, and I love how they interweave vegetative landscapes into many of the buildings. I’d probably still spend plenty of time in the countryside. Their gardens and farms look like they’re out of a dream.
Q: Do you have any tips or advice for getting a creative small business like your own off the ground?
A: There's a huge benefit to keeping your mental game strong and full of fresh creative energy. Spend time surrounding yourself with people who inspire you and give you a new perspective. Additionally, I find a lot of value in spending time with artists who are from completely different styles or genres than my own.
Leaning into your community and its resources is super important for success. While we’re all interested in creating unique products, services or experiences, there’s most likely someone in the community who has been down a similar path. You can take time to learn from their experiences to help guide your own projects.
Don’t ever think any idea is too wild! Dream big but set milestones that you frequently check in with. As your wildest dreams manifest, be at peace with how vision evolves. That’s an important part of the process as well.
Q: You wrapped up your first community exhibit, When Our Sun Rises, in September—what did you learn about nurturing community when organizing that?
A: The When Our Sun Rises Exhibition was an important chance for me to show up for my community. From day one, I have always wanted my journey to uplift others. The exhibition allowed me to showcase artists that aren’t always proportionately represented in spaces like museums. My goal was to create a space where artists who are a part of the minority felt confident and excited to have their work alongside others who look like them or have experienced similar adversities. There’s something so powerful about seeing that in one room. I hope people really feel connected to the work there and ultimately make more of an effort to seek out diverse art.
Q: What are some of your favorite places to see/explore in Austin? What do you wish Austin had more in terms of the outdoors?
A:There’s nothing that resets me more than spending summer out on the Green Belt and visiting local surrounding parks like McKinney, Pedernales, and Guadalupe. I really wish the terrain had mountains like West Texas. There’s something so special about golden hour at Guadalupe Peak.
Q: For people who are more tentative about getting outside, how do you recommend getting started?
A: Start simple, don’t put too much pressure on what you’re doing, just find ways to get outside. Many say hiking and camping are expensive, and they can be, but you don’t need to do either of those things to be outside. Define outside on your own terms! Find a range of activities that excite you and see which ones stick. Some examples might be stepping outside to read a book, walking your dog, or riding a bike ride. All of those things are very outdoorsy, don’t let anyone tell you differently!