Weaving Textile Traditions into Mixed Media Art
From K-Apostrophe’s Website: K’era, a Los Angeles-based mixed media painter, has cultivated a deep appreciation for textile traditions from around the world. With a background in textile design and a previous venture in the realm of digital textiles, K’era has now returned to the art of creating by hand. Her current mixed media work is an intuitive practice, where she weaves together non-linear stories using found fragments from her surroundings. In addition to her fine art practice, K’era collaborates with American mills to transform her artwork into vibrant woven throw blankets, pillows, and tapestries. Let's dive deeper into K'era's artistic journey and her unique approach to merging textile traditions with contemporary art.
From Digital Textiles to Handcrafted Art with K-Apostrophe
After co-launching a photographic derived textile company, K’era felt a longing to return to the art of creating by hand. Moving away from digital and hi-tech tools, she sought to reconnect with the tactile experience of crafting. Embracing an intuitive art practice, K’era lets go of her analytical and judgmental mind, allowing each piece to evolve as a non-linear story. She combines found fragments from various sources, including magazines, newspapers, books, hand-painted paper, and her own mark-making, to create captivating collaged paintings.
Collaboration with American Mills for Functional Art
In addition to her fine art practice, K’era collaborates with FiberArt, one of the few remaining American mills to transform her mixed media pieces into functional and colorful woven throw blankets, pillows, and tapestries. These items are crafted using 100% hand-dyed cotton, offering a cozy and comfortable touch to home interiors. Through this collaboration, K’era extends her affinity for textiles and creates functional art that can be enjoyed on a daily basis. Her woven goods serve as an extension of her artistic vision, blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship.
The Intuitive Artistic Process
K’era’s artistic process is deeply personal and reflective of her mood and emotions in the present moment. When she engages in the act of creating, time seems to stand still, allowing her to immerse herself fully in the artistic flow. Her work is a visual manifestation of her feelings and thoughts, conveyed through vibrant colors, expressive brushstrokes, and unique mark-making techniques. By embracing an intuitive approach, K’era bypasses the constraints of the analytical mind and allows her artwork to unfold naturally, capturing the essence of a particular emotion or thought.
Presence in Boutiques, Residences, and Collaborations
K’era's collage paintings and textile goods have gained recognition worldwide. Her captivating artwork can be found in independent boutiques, private residences, and art collections around the globe. K’era actively collaborates with interior designers, home-staging agencies, and individuals to create one-of-a-kind creations that bring art into everyday living spaces. Her artistic collaborations have included renowned brands such as HERS, Revival Rugs, Saatchi Art, and West Elm, further expanding the reach and impact of her work. Through these partnerships, K’era continues to merge her artistic vision with functional design, offering unique and inspiring pieces that blur the boundaries between fine art and interior decor.
Conclusion
K’era, a mixed media artist with a background in textile design, has embarked on a creative journey that merges textile traditions with contemporary art. Through her intuitive approach, she crafts collaged paintings that evoke emotions and thoughts in the present moment. Additionally, K’era collaborates with FiberArt to transform her artwork into vibrant woven throw blankets, pillows, and tapestries for home interiors. With her work found in independent boutiques, private residences, and collaborations with notable brands, K’era continues to blend her affinity for textiles with functional art. Her creations serve as tangible expressions of her artistic vision, offering a unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary aesthetics.
K-Apostrophe is an artist who has been with FiberArt since the beginning. She sells blankets and pillows and has been featured in several publications, a list of which can be found at the bottom of her homepage. To learn more about K-Apostrophe, visit her website at https://www.k-apostrophe.com/