Café Artist – Grant Heaps
This quarter in the café we welcome Grant Heaps a local textile artist.
Heaps was born in Toronto where he studied fashion. He is now the assistant wardrobe co-ordinator for the National Ballet of Canada. Inspired by a quilt made from scrap his mother made him, he has embarked on a continuing project to create stitched textile works that convey the experience of a theatre performance. Grant finds inspiration in his collections of textile and objects; his personal obsessions and the familiar aspects and companions of his daily life.
Title: Stag
Materials: reclaimed fabric, cotton thread
Dimensions: 14’lx 10’h
Price: $5500
Title: Mallards
Materials: reclaimed fabric, cotton thread
Dimensions:5’l x 3.5’h
Price: $2500
Title: Faun and Doe
Materials: reclaimed fabric, cotton thread
Dimensions: 8’l x 5’
Price: $3500
The image of deer or ducks in natural setting is a classical image used in art and decoration for hundreds of years. Existing cross stitch pattern of an animal amidst flora and fauna is magnified as a tribute to those who labored over their needlework in an attempt to bring grand design and artistic good taste to their homes. Altering the dainty nature of a cross stitch kit, using scrap fabric, raw edged and crudely sewn squares each replace a single cross of the original plan. The pastoral scene is blown up, exposing its simplicity by flaunting and bringing its idealized vision to life size. The fragile construction and delicate texture of the work contrast the strength of the wild animal and of nature. It presents a kitsch but honest dream of a vanishing world; a love for craft and nature through its own laborious creation.
The Tapestries series is curated by MADE. For further information on Grant Heaps or his work please contact Julie or Shaun at MADE.
E: info@madedesign.ca
T: 416 607 6384
www.madedesign.ca
About MADE:
MADE is a design company representing the work of emerging Canadian designers, architects, craftsmen and artists. MADE invites a new definition of interiors with the melding of thoughtful, individual expression and modern design practice. Handmade works and small batch production are our focus.
