Mimi Valias-Clark

ARTIST STATEMENT

Needlework and the ability to make something with my hands have always been important to me, and a crochet hook has always been my first tool of choice. For a while, I was content with following patterns, but I always wanted to find a way to take it further and be more creative. Many people see crochet as a traditional craft used to make doilies and afghans and, while there is nothing wrong with that, I wanted to stretch the technique further and use it to create unique contemporary pieces.

I discovered freeform crochet and was taken by the versatility of this technique. I have been experimenting with it this past year by making portraits. My portraits capture a look or expression and a sense of the sitter’s personality. I always start with a drawing and a concept in mind, but I allow it to evolve as I work on the piece. The yarn thickness, colour and texture have a huge impact on the size, shape, look and feel of the piece; I can manipulate it to a certain degree, but I also allow it to manipulate the portrait itself. I work mostly with cotton as I love the variety of colours it comes in, and prefer to work with natural fibres. I want the piece to look polished and finished, but I also love the contrast of the loose ends dangling from behind – after all, aren’t we all a little frayed around the edges?