Fiber Artist Allison Altafi on Handspun Yarn, Frame Weaving, and Hustling in the Art World On Good News York, host Noah Chrysler interviews Syracuse-based fiber artist Allison Altafi about her frame-based weaving practice using handspun wool and cotton “art yarn” to create structural, textural works that blur craft, sculpture, and fine art. Altafi discusses her piece “The Day It Happened,” shown in a Manhattan gallery exhibition (with the show continuing online via Untitled Space Gallery/Artsy), and explains how her work ranges from joyful “color melts” to darker themes of grief and uncertainty. She shares tactical advice for artists about applying widely, handling rejection, and using social media—including going viral and managing online negativity. Altafi describes the handspinning process, collaborations with local spinners/dyers and Syracuse metalsmith Devin of Toltech Works who fabricates custom steel hoops, and previews upcoming work for Stay Fresh Gallery’s Halloween-themed “Dead Man’s Party” on October 23. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:40 What Is Fiber Art 01:31 Handspun Yarn Materials 02:37 Featured Piece Reveal 03:24 Meaning and Themes 05:08 Manhattan Show Experience 06:08 Hustle and Artist Advice 07:10 Going Viral Online 09:09 How Yarn Is Spun 10:24 Local Dyers and Makers 11:13 Custom Hoops and Looms 13:29 More Works and Framing 13:59 Hollow Loom Breakthrough 15:06 Macabre Gallery Piece 16:30 Building the Hoop Loom 18:55 Weaving Outside In 19:41 Hands On Weaving Demo 21:59 Stay Fresh Connections 23:07 Find the Artist Online 23:44 Costumes and Final Thanks