#yycLCL September 2019
I am an artist and designer currently based in Calgary and I completed a Bachelor of Fine Art majoring in fibre at the Alberta College of Art + Design (now known as the Alberta University of the Arts).
My practice focuses on fine art and textile design, specializing in textile printing, dyeing, and silk painting. Using natural dyes, water-based inks and Japanese silk dyes, the textile patterns I create are rich with hand-drawn design and painterly techniques, drawing imagery from our environment, architecture, and history.
Lately, I am loving the process of lino block carving. I can’t wait to use this ponderosa pinecone carving (pictured above) to print on fabric for my latest collection of textiles. I picked up the pinecone in Kelowna a couple of years ago; a place where I have so many great memories of exploring the outdoors and visiting family.
My current work focuses on honouring and celebrating the flora and fauna of the ecosystems in which we all play a part. Growing up in British Columbia’s interior nurtured my love of nature, as much as my passion for the arts was encouraged by a family who loved art, music, and craft.
Biology and conservation have inspired my textile prints and paintings. From Alberta’s endangered species, gardening, and the adaptations of Ponderosa pine trees, the natural world is at the core of my work.
I am also a part of Contextural, a cooperative of fibre artists who exhibit and collaborate to bring vitality to our community. You will be able to find my latest work this fall at our annual show the Contextural Christmas Artisan Sale November 15 and 16, 2019 at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8th St. SW).
Chantel Traub is a Calgary-based artist and designer of textiles and clothing. Find her online at chanteltraub.com and follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and Etsy.
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