About Art Weaver SAORI Studio

Founded in 2014 by Heather and Greg Walters, Art Weaver SAORI Studio moved from urban Melbourne to Walnut Farm in country Victoria mid-2019. A new chapter begins in 2024, moving back to Melbourne to continue sharing SAORI for many years to come.

Heather has introduced hundreds of people to the joyful creativity of Saori weaving and continues to delight in seeing the smiles that Saori brings!

Heather Walters

Heather Walters has worked within education & design, art, colour and textiles over many years. These include interior design, colour consultancy, textile arts and broad experience as an adult educator.

With extensive teaching experience, her qualifications include Bachelor of Teaching, Bachelor of Education, Certificate IV Interior Design & Decoration, Certificate IV Training & Assessment, and Diploma of Textile Arts.

Heather was trained in SAORI weaving by Kenzo Jo, at the Saorinomori studio in Osaka, Japan (first in October 2013) where she was awarded Grade 3 Certification in SAORI Hand Weaving Skills. Further training with Kenzo Jo, on subsequent visits to Japan in 2016 and 2018 (and most recently in Oct 2023) focused on exploring further SAORI weaving and garment making techniques.

Her art weaving has been exhibited across Melbourne galleries and throughout regional galleries around the state over many years.

Greg Walters

Greg Walters, Art Weaver SAORI Studio co-founder, brings a long career as an engineer and designer to his role as technical consultant.

With extensive knowledge and practical experience in sustainable living, including energy efficiency, his skills will ensure that Art Weaver SAORI Studio minimises environmental impact whilst maximising human comfort.

Greg has also visited the Saorinomori studio in Japan several times, where he first enjoyed hand weaving in 2013 and gained an appreciation for the fine design and engineering of the SAORI looms and equipment.