Charis Birchall
ARTIST STATEMENT
I create hand-printed goods with fabric I print, either through silkscreen printing or block printing. Each piece I create is thoughtfully designed for functionality.
I love lines, geometric shapes and patterns found in nature. My clean and minimal patterns are intended to pay homage to these natural patterns, and act as a respite from the visual chaos of our modern world. The designs typically originate with a sketch that is translated into a repeat pattern and printed onto fabric using a silkscreen or block printing.
The precision of silkscreen printing lends itself to more detailed and intricate patterns. Even though silkscreen printing is done by hand, the results can be beautifully meticulous and consistent. Block printing by hand creates texture in the ink that changes with every stamp of the block, making no two prints exactly alike. The process of creating a block print repeat results in a perfectly imperfect print that shows the handmade character in the finished yardage. Working in these two styles allows me to direct a different outcome for each project. I lean towards the silkscreen when I’m in the mood for perfection whereas block printing gives me the chance to slow down and reflect.
BIOGRAPHY
Charis Birchall is a textile designer based in Calgary, Alberta. She earned her BFA in Fibre from the Alberta College of Art & Design (now Alberta University of the Arts). Her textile work has been shown at Arts Commons, the Leighton Arts Centre, and the galleries at the Alberta University of the Arts. She has participated in workshops both at home and internationally as well as self-directed, juried residencies. She is an active volunteer in Calgary’s arts community where she serves as President of Contextural, a collective of more than 40 local textile artists. Since September 2023, she has been leasing time in the cSPACE studio of local artist, Natalie Gerber.
