Catarina Riccabona

Weaver

©Yuki Sugiura

©Catarina Riccabona

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

©Yuki Sugiura

©Yuki Sugiura

How did you discover textile art?: 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.
What do you love most about your craft?: 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.
Is there a technique you particularly like?: 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.
Is your craft linked to the environment?: 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.

Catarina Riccabona is an expert artisan: she began her career in 2012