Written by Sophie Leopold and Gracie Williams, photo courtesy of Jack Geshel
When Jack Geshel and Eliza Hunter met on the first day of Freshman year at SCAD, they never imagined that one day they would be married and share a studio in the south of France.
Both artists graduated in 2017 [Geshel, B.F.A. Photography] [Hunter, B.F.A. Fibers], and began their careers working separately. Shortly after, they realized that it’d be more efficient to combine their brands, that’s when Fern and Fiber was created.
“We have both always been makers, product vs. art oriented, and started realizing that a lot of the things we wanted to do, we could do together,” Geshel said. “Why would we get two separate booths at a show when we can be united? We share a studio space, we share everything, so why not share the brand?”
Hunter attended SCAD Lacoste during her second year, where she learned about the Atelier program. From then on, she was set on finding a way to return. With a newly combined brand and plenty of unique ideas, they were invited to be a part of the Lacoste Alumni Atelier program this summer.
Geshel and Hunter’s output is in ideal alignment with Alumni Atelier, as the program provides an opportunity for retail experience. The studios in Lacoste serve as a storefront for the village, and a trial run gallery for the artists. This summer, Geshel created a collection of hand-carved and one-of-a-kind wooden spoons. Hunter is focusing on hand-made quilts, lavender sachets stuffed with the fragrant Provencal lavender, naturally dyed silk scarves and even baguette bags. When paired together, their picnic-centric items are ready for lazy summer outdoor meals.
Their inspiration came from the colors and natural materials of Provence, the simple French lifestyle and each other. “We bounce ideas off of and get inspired by each other,” Hunter said. “We are still in the mesh phase of learning how to combine our work, and still on the learning path. We will always be learning how to collaborate.”
When thinking of the future, Geshel and Hunter have a multitude of ideas to develop when they get back home to North Carolina. The realization that wood and fibers combine in various ways in home settings is the basis of where they want to take their brand in the future. “We are focused on home goods that you can make and have, they are also an art object with a personality,” Hunter said.
Inciting awareness about the Alumni Atelier program is yet another facet of the role for those involved. When more undergraduates are informed the program can thrive. “Choose something that’s going to allow you to grow and expand,” Geshel said in advice to prospective Alumni Atelier participants. “Come with an open mindset and be ready to grow a lot and be ready to leave and different person and artist.”
For more information on Jack Geshel and Eliza Hunter, visit their website and their Instagram.
