JAYNE BABINE
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT | WOVEN SEAS WEAVING STUDIO
BIOGRAPHY
Originally born and raised in Southern California, Jayne Babine lived in New York City for 13 years, working in the fast-paced industries of digital advertising and data technology. In September 2020, she moved with her husband and daughter to Rhode Island, where her husband was raised. Leaving behind the comforts and chaos of city life, she faced the challenges of navigating an unfamiliar suburban environment and the feelings of isolation that came with it. During this transition, Jayne discovered Woven Seas Weaving Studio, which became a creative sanctuary and introduced her to the world of textile art, along with its historical connection to Rhode Island’s rich textile industry. She later learned that her maternal Thai grandmother was a master weaver of bed linens in Southern Thailand, living along the tropical beach countryside. This discovery of her familial weaving history deepened her connection to her ancestral heritage, making her journey into handweaving even more meaningful.
VISION
Inspired by the rich textile history of New England, Jayne Babine sought to explore American heritage handwoven structures with a modern twist. She incorporated coastal New England colors, using neutral tones of natural cotton and grays combined with soft blue hues. Overshot, a weave structure popular since Colonial America and throughout North America in the early 19th century, was traditionally used to create coverlets that adorned beds. Additionally, Jayne integrated hand-manipulated techniques learned from her experiences in the tribal rural regions of Thailand and from Japanese weaving traditions, honoring her Asian American heritage as she settles into her new life in New England.
Learn more about the artists behind our collection of over 200 weavings at Newport Harbor Island Resort!