Amelia Novella

Amelia Novella was born in 1995 in Detroit, Michigan. In 2018 she received her BFA in Crafts with a specialty in Fiber & Textile from College for Creative Studies. Rennell is currently finishing her three years at Wayne State University as a Thomas C. Rumble Fellow. Her interdisciplinary practice continues to revolve around the cyclical nature of trauma and creating renewed connection between the mind and body. Rennell has already been included in various shows including the “All Media Exhibition” at the Detroit Artist Market and “Uncommon Threads” at The Scarab Club Detroit. She has also been recognized with Outstanding Student Awards from organizations like the National Surface Design Association and Penland School of Craft. Recent exhibitions include the group show “Work From Home: Varied Voices on Identity and the Domestic” organized by Rennell and six other fellow Wayne State MFAs and alumni at The Scarab Club this past January. Post graduation Rennell plans to continue developing her practice while working with Rosemarine Textiles and teaching within the Fibers Department at College for Creative Studies.

Muscle Memory: Creating Connection Through Weight and Craft

Throughout this unprecedented pandemic, I have been re-evaluating my relationship with the past, the healing process, and the ways in which I work to stay present and connected to my body on a daily basis. This practice for me, revolves around meditative textile techniques and strength training. While these two hobbies may appear to be an odd couple, craft and weight lifting have very similar demands and rewards. Each requires time, tools, focus, form, breath, and determination. If done consistently and done with care, one is rewarded with growth and development of new skills. Utilizing traditional textile practices I have created a collection of strength training equipment and gear made solely from materials I have naturally hand-dyed in collaboration with a local natural dye company, Rosemarine Textiles. Along with their beautiful palette, plant-based dyes are known for the ways in which they change when introduced to different pH levels. Meaning, their coloration can be affected by substances like vinegar, baking soda, and in the case of this work, sweat.