The art of textiles
- Catarina worked in translation before weaving
- She creates intuitively with no previous design
- She strives for eco-friendly creations
Weaving came to Catarina Riccabona while she was studying textile design after having previously studied and worked in translation in London. It was a need for something more creative that led the Austrian-born to her craft. Receiving the Cockpit Arts/Clothworkers' Foundation Award in 2012 gave her the chance to start her business by accessing a shared studio, and getting advice from the Cockpit Arts team. She now specialises in hand weaving, working on a large traditional floor loom; her work is as environmentally-friendly as possible, and she enjoys small irregularities and other elements that result from a making process that involves hands and soul. Working intuitively, each of her pieces is unique and spontaneously made.
INTERVIEW
It was a gradual discovery. I remember noticing textures, colours and patterns in fabrics early on in my life, but I never really thought of textiles as art. Later through education and by going to exhibitions I started seeing and valuing textiles in a different way.
I truly enjoy what I do, it gives structure and meaning to my life and nurtures my soul. My work doesn’t feel like a job, even if it can mean working very hard to meet deadlines. I love what I do and am grateful that this is how I can spend my time and earn my living.
I often use a technique called ‘block design’, which refers to the way I set up my loom. At the weaving stage this technique allows me to use different weave structures side by side. Most of my designs are an exploration of such juxtapositions.
I use natural materials to weave my pieces, and I care about the environmental impact of my work. From the beginning I strived to work in a way that is as eco-friendly as possible. I work with naturally eco-friendly yarns, and use plant-dyed, second-hand and recycled yarns for colour.
