Water
Finds
a Way
Homo Faber 2024: A Look Back
From Jessica Switzer Green's Northern California farm to international recognition at Venice's premier craft exhibition—a daughter's perspective on an unforgettable family adventure
After years of sitting on the sidelines watching in awe as my mom honed her craft, I decided to join JG SWITZER in 2023. I felt compelled to share her creations with the world and I knew we'd make a good team - we always have. My mom pours her heart into her craft and is deeply connected to her material - not just the wool but the sheep that provide it.
I remember the first time I saw WATER FINDS A WAY III, a piece she created with wool from our own flock of sheep, dyeing the wool with Indigo out on the deck in the sun. Soon after, the email came from Homo Faber selecting WATER FINDS A WAY III in their upcoming craft exhibition in Venice, Italy - curated by renowned film director Luca Guadagnino and architect Nicolò Rosmarini. To say I was a proud daughter would be an understatement.
So off to Venice we went! In August of 2024, we attended the Homo Faber 2024 exhibition as a family. Almost one year later, I write this article for mostly selfish reasons - to relive this once in a lifetime trip - and to record one of my favorite memories forever.
"Water doesn't resist. Water flows. When you plunge your hand into it, all you feel is a caress."
A Family Affair in Venice
We spent the first few days wandering Venice and getting lost in the beauty and history of the city. Toby, a close family friend and accomplished San Francisco architect from LDP Architecture, met us in Venice to join in on the adventure. It was incredible to walk the streets with Toby and get a glimpse of the city's architecture through her trained eyes. Two more days were spent at the Biennale and all I can say is - wow.
On August 30th, it was time to see the piece, WATER FINDS A WAY III, and attend a preview of the show. Venice proved the perfect backdrop for this occasion. We crossed the lagoon by water taxi and pulled up to the magnificent setting of the Fondazione Giorgio Cini on the island of San Giorgio Maggiore.
The Exhibition: A Sensory Journey
Homo Faber 2024: The Journey of Life was unlike any exhibition I'd ever experienced. Under Guadagnino and Rosmarini's artistic direction, the former Benedictine monastery had been transformed into a series of immersive spaces exploring the human journey from birth to afterlife.
Walking through the exhibition halls with their floor-to-ceiling pleated velvet installations and spectacular mirrored surfaces, we were surrounded by over 800 exceptional handcrafted objects created by 400 artisans from more than 70 countries. Each spectacular room offered a new discovery, as we made our way through Birth, Childhood, Adolescence, Love, Heritage, and finally arrived at Nature - where WATER FINDS A WAY III was waiting for us.
Walking in and seeing the piece was a surreal experience. I was exceptionally proud of my mom at that moment. She has always had the dream of sharing wool with the world, and here we were in Italy, admiring the piece she created with wool from her own sheep.
Beyond the Exhibition Walls
The beauty of Homo Faber extended beyond the main exhibition. The Homo Faber in Città program transformed Venice into an expansive canvas of artistic discovery, with installations tucked away in hidden churches, historical buildings, and intimate storefronts throughout the city. Each day brought new adventures as we followed our exhibition map to discover renowned artists like Yu Hong and Lee Bae showcasing their work in these unexpected venues. The juxtaposition of contemporary artistic expressions against Venice's timeless architecture created magical moments of discovery around every corner.
Reflections on a Dream Realized
Nearly a year has passed since our Venice adventure, and the impact of that experience continues to resonate. For my mom, her participation in Homo Faber created new and lasting connections.
What began as a remarkable achievement has culminated in another exciting milestone—"WATER FINDS A WAY III" was purchased by a private collector earlier this year. This acquisition felt like the perfect completion of the journey that began with the exhibition invitation.
Looking Forward
Mom often says that wool contains stories – of the sheep, the land, the shepherd, and the maker - the one who weaves them all together. Our family's story now includes this remarkable chapter in Venice, where her artistic vision was celebrated alongside exceptional craftspeople from around the world.
As I look at the photos from our trip – Mom standing proudly beside her work, our family exploring Venice's narrow streets, moments of laughter on water taxis, and quiet reflections by the lagoon – I'm filled with gratitude for having been part of this journey.
To explore more of her artwork, visit our Art Gallery.
