Biography
Florence Harmelin was born in Marseilles, France, in 1976 and has been living in Ireland since 1998. She studied Business Management and Marketing in the “Ecole Superieure de Marseille Provence”. She came as exchange student with UCD and started work in the computer industry after graduating. In 2002, she resigned from her position as a sales specialist in IBM and started to explore Craft in the hope of a more fulfilling and independent profession.
She discovered hand weaving at a short course in 2004 and was instantly won over. She apprenticed on Clare Island, Co Mayo with Craft Council of Ireland Board member Beth Moran, in 2005 and 2006. This brought invaluable experience in the art of hand weaving, spinning and natural dyeing, but also in product design, teaching and the run of a small business.
In January 2007, Ergane Textile was created and a loom set up in the Red Stables. Owned by Dublin City Council, these studios are situated in the beautiful St Ann’s Park and host 10 professional artists.
Florence uses traditional techniques to design and hand weave unique silk pieces. She creates scarves, table runners, throws and wall hangings as individual pieces of art to be used and enjoyed. Her sensual approach to colour and free interpretation of patterns combine in elegant and harmonious creations.
Florence Harmelin is currently the co-chairperson of the Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.
Ergane
The name Ergane comes from the Greek mythology. It is the epithet of the goddess Athena when she is patron of Craft and especially weaving. Athena is credited with the invention of the loom, as well as many other tools.
The story of Athena and Arachnea relates how the Libyan princess Arachnea, who was boasting of her skills as a weaver, was challenged by Athena to tapestry weaving competition. Both works were beautiful and flawless, but the tapestry of the human princess made light of the gods. Enraged, Athena destroyed the piece. Arachnea hanged herself but Athena, in pity, changed her into a spider and gave her the ability to weave forever.
