the artist
Ellen Bruxvoort is the artist, designer, and founder behind FIBROUS — a modern take on a traditional art form. Based in Austin, TX, Ellen began tapestry weaving as a hobby in 2015, which slowly expanded into a full time job exploring everything from wholesale production to custom art and installations.
Her practice is informed by the teachings of traditional Peruvian weavers, contemporary fiber artists, and a lot of weird ideas that made it through the labyrinth of trial and error.
Today, Ellen draws inspiration from hikes in high and low places, little things that feel big, and all the many ways we show up for each other.
the space
FIBROUS has floated between many different studios over the years. Naturally, the first pieces were born in the in-betweens — as most hobbies find themselves.
In 2015, Ellen carved out a space for her first home studio in a small Austin apartment on the east side, which grew into its own room in her next home in 2017.
As work picked up in 2018, she expanded to a commercial studio space (Broad Studios) where FIBROUS carried out all operations until 2020.
During the pandemic, Ellen pivoted away from production and leaned more towards customs — a shift that ultimately allowed her to move back into her home studio in 2021, where she works today.
the namesake
FIBROUS leans on a concept of connectedness: I am because we are. A philosophy that our existence is dependent upon — and woven into — the existence of that which surrounds us.
Just as a fibrous object has inherent strength due to the nature of its individual parts working together as a whole, the vision for this work is one of seamless support between creators and their communities, making life as an artist not only possible, but sustainable.
the community
In 2018, Ellen and five other Austin artists co-founded Broad Studios, a female art collective centered around elevating women and non-binary artists by using commercial studio space as a platform for events and education.
When Ellen moved back to her home studio in 2021, her role in the collective shifted largely towards coordinating events and markets both on and offsite.
Since 2018, she’s co-produced over 60 workshops and 25+ markets with Broad Studios, showcasing the work of over 150 womxn-owned businesses from Austin and beyond.
giving back
FIBROUS proudly backs the following organizations. Supporting FIBROUS doesn’t necessarily mean you have to align with these in totality, but feel free to explore their mission statements and websites if you’d like more information.
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The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 and is our nation's guardian of liberty. The ACLU works in the courts, legislatures, and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.
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The Human Rights Campaign strives to end discrimination against LGBTQ+ people and realize a world that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all.
HRC envisions a world where lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, plus community members who use different language to describe their identity are ensured equality and embraced as full members of society at home, at work and in every community.
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The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organization, is developing and scaling technologies to rid the world’s oceans of plastic. Our aim is to put ourselves out of business once the oceans are clean.
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Planned Parenthood’s mission is to ensure all people have access to the care and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies, their lives, and their futures.
Each year, Planned Parenthood delivers vital sexual and reproductive health care, sex education, and information to millions of people across the world.
let’s be internet friends.
FAQ
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FIBROUS is currently only online, with occasional pop-ups throughout the year where you can shop in person. — typically announced here, in the newsletter, and on instagram.
I’ve also partnered with Broad Shop to offer free local pickup at checkout, often with same day or next day availability (unless otherwise noted on made-to-order items).
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Yes! Both Domestic and International shipping options are available at checkout.
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All local orders can be picked up at Broad Shop in Springdale General. You’ll receive an email when your order is ready, which will include the pick-up address, available dates, and hours of operation.
If you cannot pick up your order within the times noted, feel free to email hello@fibrous.co and we’ll sort out another option.
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Are you kidding, I literally live for custom work. Let’s make it happen. Submit an inquiry here.
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The first rule of making art is not to stress.
The second rule is to email me.We got this! I have a whole system that makes the process so seamless and fun. I’ll walk you through the steps, we’ll make some cool art, and by the time it gets delivered, you might even chuckle at the idea you were even stressed about it in the first place.
Just remember the second rule :)
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I have taught in-person workshops in the past, but not since my tool guy retired in 2019 (aka Jim Hokett the GOAT).
If you’re looking for weaving classes in Austin, I’d check out Hill Country Weavers or The Contemporary Austin.
If you’re not looking for weaving classes in Austin and just want to read Jim’s blog instead, here it is (it’s so cute).
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I do have one Intro to Weaving course on Skillshare where I teach folks how to build a small frame loom and weave a necklace.
We also talk about tools, fibers, hardware, and a ton of terminology. My cat, Luna, even makes a lil cameo.
Brace yourselves because I recorded this lesson many moons ago, but 1000+ students have given it positive feedback by now, so I’m happy to report it’s not totally cringe (just a little bit).
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This is a tough question, for which I don’t have a permanent answer. All I know is that in 2019 alone, I made over 1,250 pairs of earrings, 200 bracelets, and 175 necklaces — not including all the prototypes and oops pieces. So in 2020, I decided it was time for a break.
Sometimes old friends come back around though. We’ll see what happens. Either way, thanks for wearing your vintage FIBROUS :)
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FIBROUS does not offer wholesale at this time. If you would like to place a bulk art order, please reach out to me directly for pricing.
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My studio is in my home, so as much as I love your enthusiasm — it is not a public space. If you want to see me in person, I recommend checking out the next pop-up :)
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If you’re not completely satisfied with your order, FIBROUS gladly offers exchange or store credit only within 14 days of delivery. For more information, please visit the shop policies here.