Tammy Kanat: Textile Artist
CURATOR KARINA EASTWAY | INTERVIEW WITH FIBRE ARTIST TAMMY KANAT | PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED | COUNTRY AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIAN FIBRE ARTIST TAMMY KANAT LETS COLOUR, SHAPE AND MOOD DICTATE HER FABULOUS HAND-WOVEN PIECES. AFTER 12 YEARS AS A JEWELLERY DESIGNER, TAMMY FELL IN LOVE WITH ART AT THE OPPOSITE END OF THE SIZE SPECTRUM AND NOW HER WALL ART HAS MADE ITS WAY AROUND THE WORLD.
SHIBUI & CO SPOKE TO TAMMY ABOUT HER INSPIRED WORK.
WE LOVE YOUR WORK! HOW DID YOU GET INTO TEXTILE ART?
I stumbled into weaving after looking for a particular art piece for my home but could not find it. My only option was to create the piece I was looking for. In 2011 I enrolled into the Australian Tapestry Workshop to learn the complex skill of tapestry weaving and embarked on my weaving journey. I was able to create the piece I was dreaming of and it was very satisfying and I fell in love with tapestry weaving in the process.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STUDIO FOR US AND USUAL WORK PROCESS?
Whilst I believe my work is quite calming my studio space is a mixture of chaos and serenity. Fibres are everywhere, colour is everywhere and it looks over a beautiful flower garden with a water pond. My work process is very random, I have no plan as to when I start a piece or will finish a piece. My work is intuitive in colour, shapes and patterns. Time escapes me as I work on a piece. I love the not knowing it creates a sense of freedom and passion in each work I create.
WHAT TOOLS DO YOU USE IN CREATING ONE OF YOUR TEXTILE PIECES?
I work with copper, fibres and a tapestry bobbin.
HOW DO YOU SELECT THE MATERIALS WHICH WILL GO INTO EACH PIECE?
It is a random selection process. I am guided by my instinct to what colour fibres feel right at the time. It is the surprise and the unknowing element in each piece that keeps me motivated.
WHAT INFORMS THE SHAPES/COLOUR AND PATTERN OF YOUR PIECES?
I am inspired by my surroundings. My brain is constantly observing all the shapes and colours and patterns around me. It could be from nature, fashion, images on Instagram, walking down the street, watching a movie or flicking through a magazine. Ideas just jump out and then I begin.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH COLOUR?
Obsessed! Colour is so powerful, it brings in so many emotion, it is a great way to express oneself. I love the light and darkness of colours. So many random colours communicate so beautifully together to create a mood or a story.
CAN YOU GIVE US A LOCAL’S TIP FOR WHERE YOU LIVE?
I live in Melbourne Australia:
Best coffee: Master of None
Art: National Gallery of Victoria, Heidi Museum
Nature: Botanical Gardens
Holidays: Lake Eildon, Mornington Penninsula
WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TRAVEL MEMORY AND WHAT’S STILL TO DO ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET LIST?
Morocco was such a treat. The Atlas Mountains and the Marakkesh Market. Turkey sailing on a gullet and Ionian Islands sailing.
India, Nepal, Japan and so many more ....
COULD WE GET A FINAL INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE FROM YOU?
Stay true to your creativity and what you love and and do not fall into the trap of pleasing others.
SHIBUI PAPER PLANES no.7 | Published by SHIBUI & CO.