i. My name is Lorna Moffat

ii. I am a textile artist and designer.

iii. The name, date, and location of the market I’ll be in next is:
First Pick Handmade’s Fall pop-up market from September 24 to 25 at Heritage Hall on Main Street.

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iv. The type of work I’ll be showing in the market is:
I will show my latest collection of pillows which I like to call ‘art for your sofa.’ Featured are colourful, whimsical portraits, patterned insects, flamboyant skulls and explosions of florals throughout the collection. As winter approaches, they are the perfect pop of colour and dash of joy to brighten any space.

v. 1 or 2 pieces from the show I can say a few words about are: 
My two pillows featured at the market are ‘Happy hair’ and ‘Birdwatching.’  

I use a fabric collage or appliqué technique,  taking mosaic-like pieces of patterned cloth and bonding and stitching them onto a denim and wool background. I love the marks that the black thread makes on the surface of the composition and the way my stitched lines connect the layers and bring energy and life to the narrative.  

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vi. One thing I learned about myself in creating this work is:
I think I’ve learned that listening can inform the stories I want to tell; for instance, ‘Happy hair’ evolved after conversations on FaceTime with my 84-year-old mum in Scotland, who, during the pandemic, has been having a weekly shampoo and set at her local hairdresser. She said it lifted her spirits and made her feel good. I wanted to inject that same feeling of joy, happiness, and humour in my designs, so my quirky ‘hairdo’ collection was born. 

vii. One highlight of my career from over the last few years has been:
Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of being an artist in residence at a school in BC, working on a huge textile installation with all of the students and staff in school over an eight week period. It was a total joy to work with the students and, while we were creating, we were able to discuss how craft is an important ‘opposite’ to our machine made world.  It was great to try to encourage conversations and engagement around the process and the materials used etc.  It was super special to be working with the next generation of young, enthusiastic designer/ maker/ crafter/ artisans.

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viii. After this show, I’m looking forward to:
My next show is the Circle Craft Christmas Market in November at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

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First Pick Handmade Fall 2022

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www.creatorsvancouver.com

Photos- Lorna Moffat