Tanya Huang
Fiber Artist
Tanya is an Asian-American artist in Joshua Tree, California, who works mostly with fibers but also dabbles in all kinds of creative pursuits.
Born in the Guangxi region of China, she is a descendant of the indigenous Zhuang people who were known for their intricate and vibrant handmade textiles. In her early years, Tanya grew up watching her grandmother create elaborate quilts and sew just about anything. Gifting these creations to her loved ones was her love language. Major life milestones were memorialized in her NaiNai’s quilts.
Tanya discovered her passion for fiber arts somewhat accidentally, in an effort to heal. During a time of heavy grief and still unprocessed complex trauma, she developed trichotillomania, the OCD-like irresistible urge to strand, tug or pull out one’s own hair, resulting in bald patches and immense shame. She took up crochet in order to keep her hands busy and try to preserve what hair was left on her head. Crocheting was the only time she didn’t pull her hair. The somatic sensation of pulling yarn was just enough to simulate the stimulation of hair pulling. And the outcome was an adorable creation rather than a pile of dead hair on the floor. She was hooked.
They say the opposite of depression is expression – ✨creativity✨.
Tanya’s crochet addiction paved the way to her macrame obsession. She now finds joy in crafting large wall hangings that incorporate crochet, macrame and weaving. Her passion lies in experimenting with colors, textures and patterns that elicit healing somatic experiences.
Tanya’s artist journey has been intertwined with her healing journey in the most synchronous way… and for that, she is eternally grateful.