Profile of fiber artist Aileen Lochhead

It has been so much fun to profile the fiber artists (members of the International Freeform Fiber Artists Group) who contributed to the book: Somewhere in my World,

I am so pleased that all the proceeds of the book go to the following 2 charities:

Kiva.org and to Mercy Corp for Haitian relief

Today, I am profiling Aileen Lochhead.

My questions are in GREEN and Aileen’s answers are in black.

1. Can you tell us a little about your piece for ‘Somewhere in my world’?

This piece of work is titled ‘The Mayhem of Menstruation’ and I think the title says it all. This was really an exploration of my creativity and the sometimes chaotic effects of the menstrual cycle on my creativity. I’m certain I am not the only artist to have explored this relationship. The whole menstrual cycle can severely disrupt the way we experience and perceive the world and so that is how I related it to the overall exhibition concept, ‘Somewhere in My World’.

2. What was your inspiration, and has it lead to further explorations for you?

I guess the inspiration was the need or desire to explore this concept of female cycles and at the same time document it. It is also about allowing and encouraging other people to think about how their cycles affect their creativity. This isn’t related purely to menstruating women but to all women and people. I have already had positive feedback from a lady who has been having a tough time with menopause. She found my work allowed her to laugh and hopefully relate to the concept. She also thanked me for bringing such issues into a public arena be it the conduit is fibre.

3. The International Freeform Fiber Artists Guild is primarily focused on crochet, but includes so many other fiber techniques. Do you do other things other than crochet, and if so, what are they?

Yes I do use many other techniques, but for this piece I wanted it to be purely crochet. Given I was working on the theme of cycles it had to be a continuous cycle of crochet. There was no sewing etc involved.

I love to work with all fibres and do hand weaving, hand prodded rugs, rag rugs I also paint, draw and do zentangles. My primary medium is crochet and I always return to it.

4. What part of creating your piece for ‘Somewhere in my world’ was the most challenging for you?

There were two aspects that were challenging firstly trying to create an overall shape that in some way represented a cycle but wasn’t a perfect circle, I hope I achieved that. Also the work became much larger than I anticipated and so knowing when to stop was a challenge for me.

5. What part of creating your piece for ‘Somewhere in my world’ was the most inspiring and fun for you?

The selfish freedom to explore an issue with no limitations at all. The thinking about what to make and ultimately the whole creative process, from lots of disparate ideas through to the process of busy hands drawing that concept with fibre and crochet hook. I hope this makes sense.

6. What triggers your creativity?

This is a really difficult question to articulate a coherent answer to. I have found over the years that the more you create the more you become creative. Creativity feds creativity. You can be busy working on one project and happily absorbed planning a new project at the same time. I guess that’s why we all have bags and bags of WIP’s – work in progress. Although I’m much more disciplined now and try to complete every project before starting another one but that doesn’t sop me from thinking about it and creating in my mind.

7. Which of the fiber arts speak most deeply to you?

Crochet and weaving and all things fabric. I no longer do any tapestry or freeform embroidery as my eyesight is not the best and I feel constrained by the lack of pace with them.

8. Does where you live influence your work in any way?

Yes absolutely I think you would have to live in a vacuum to not be influenced by your environment on every level. The weather, climate, the people you interact with all influence you. It’s a continual process that is ever changing. All part of life’s rich tapestry, no pun intended.

9. Can people buy your work?

Yes people can buy my work but in general freeform work is by commission only so that I can fully understand what a client wants. Some people like a functional item bag, cushion or shawl etc and others want a piece of art a wall hanging for example.

If people are interested they can email me direct at thesunroomuk@googlemail.com

10. Do you have a blog, etsy shop, ravelry shop or website? If so, what are their urls?

Etsy – http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thesunroomuk

Folksy – http://www.folksy.com/shops/Thesunroom

Blog – http://www.goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com

Blog – http://www.fibreartuk.blogspot.com

Twitter – http://twitter.com/TheSunroomUK

11. Do you have a crafting or arts community that influences you and is important to you? (online or ‘real life’). Is it important to you to be in touch with your peers?

I think all communities on and offline both influence and have meaning for me. We naturally gravitate toward like minded and supportive communities. The FF Group is great and feels like a community despite people being from all over the world. All the social media networks allow us to find like minded creative folks who we can follow, share and be influenced by.

12. Is there anything that I have missed that you would like to share with the readers of Tottie Talks Crafts?

Yes I wonder if any of your readers might be interested in crocheting ribbons for my Clootie Tree. This is a tree adorned with crochet ribbon from people around the world who share a love of all things crochet and fibre. It’s a truly communal tree now and the first crochet clootie tree that I’ve heard of. It’s a developing piece of fibre art and you can find more details here – http://goodtimesithinkso.blogspot.com/2010/05/clootie-tree-update-new-ribbons.html

Again if anyone would like to send me ribbons please email me direct at thesunroomuk@googlemail.com

Thank you.