At The Rust Belt Market: Hypknotica

The offers a unique experience for patrons as well as vendors. The new art market is host to more than 60 artists every weekend. Each week, Ferndale Patch will feature one artist and get a closer view of what the heck they do.

Ferndale Patch: Who are you and what do you do?

Cris Borowski: My name is Cris Borowski and I make intricately hand-knotted macramé jewelry for a living.  Weaving and macramé has been my main source of income for the last 11 years. 

The focal point for many of the pieces are natural stones that have been cut in such a way that I can weave really tightly around them and assure that they will stay in place. 

Additionally, I juggle and do fire performances when the right moment pops up.  The modern circus movement in Latin America is something that is alive and thriving and sucked me in! 

Ferndale Patch: How did you get your start?

Borowski: In the year 2000, I left NYC, grabbed my dog and backpack and started a journey with my sweetie throughout South America.  We needed a way to eat, pay for cheap hotels and other travel expenses.  Most people on this travel circuit take up wire wrapping, macramé or street performance.  I became really interested in macramé and street performance, such as juggling and fire spinning, and it proved to be a viable source of income.  The loop around South America took seven years and now I have a home base in Mexico. 

Ferndale Patch: What inspires you?

Borowski: I get really excited about new stitches, color combinations and interesting pairings of natural elements with different macramé techniques. I use natural elements like stones, bone, leather, glass and bamboo. 

I'm inspired by meeting colorful people, mingling with different cultures, taking part in their traditions, celebrations, protests and understanding their spiritual beliefs.  I love to think about all of this while I'm making new pieces. 

I have a necklace series called Sacred Geometry that has specific references to the lunar calendar.   I stay inspired by taking in nature.

Ferndale Patch: What is it about the Rust Belt that attracted you to it?

Borowski: Upon hearing that an artist's market was going to open in Ferndale, I was so excited.  Having a consistent venue to display and vend in the Metro Detroit area is brilliant! An indoor market that brings together a big variety of talent on a weekly basis is just what we needed.  And what better city than Ferndale?

Ferndale Patch: Tell us one thing about your work that would surprise us.

Borowski: There's no glue involved in any of my pieces.

Also, it is possible to travel with a small dog – or two. And yes, you can live out your dream and live on your art!

Hypknotica will be at Rust Belt Market Saturday and Sunday, as well as next weekend. After that, she is off to Mexico to enjoy Day of the Dead celebrations and a giant street performance convention, named Ozomatli, in Mexico City. While she’s away in Mexico, feel free to stop by her etsy account:  etsy.com/shop/hypknotica. You can also find Hypknotica on Facebook: facebook.com/hypknotica.