About Kate:

Kate Meyer is an experimental fiber artist based in Toronto, Ontario. She studied Design at Concordia for two years before taking a break to pursue selling her knitwear creations. Kate works with natural fibers to further explore and engage with the rich history of fiber arts, learning as much as she can solely through experimentation and trial and error. Her knitwear was previously featured at the Per/Severe, Philanthropic Multimedia Exhibit in November 2022 at WIP studios.


Interview

et:

We're excited to have you here. To start off, we'd love to
get to know you! Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do!


I am Kate Meyer (She/Her), an experimental fibre artist based in Toronto, Ontario. My background in graphic design and fashion has led me to explore different methods and materials with curiosity and flexibility. Owning and admiring handmade things has always been an interest of mine so I enjoy being able to play and contribute my own work to the space.


et:

How did you approach the theme of first encounters in your work? What initial ideas or experiences guided your creative process?


I explored the idea of first encounters through a new medium. Previously I have worked with fibers that have undergone multiple processes prior to my interaction with them. The nature of roving as a raw fibre allows my hands to be among the first to shape the medium. I love the way this allows for such a free-formed creative process.


et:

In exploring the theme of first encounters, does your work convey the sense of discovery or novelty? Are there specific techniques or elements you used to capture this experience?


Exploring this specific medium has made me feel regressive. Accepting this as part of the process was enjoyable as you lose the ability to foresee your final product with certainty. This led me to create these fictional creatures as no expectation could be projected onto them, surrendering to the form taken by loose fibre and a single needle.


et:

Is there a particular message or feeling you hope viewers will take away from your work in the exhibit?


I hope each message and feeling is unique to the individual. I want people to project an element of themselves into the artwork as they see fit.


et:

In exploring the theme of first encounters, does your work convey the sense of discovery or novelty? Are there specific techniques or elements you used to capture this experience?


Exploring this specific medium has made me feel regressive. Accepting this as part of the process was enjoyable as you lose the ability to foresee your final product with certainty. This led me to create these fictional creatures as no expectation could be projected onto them, surrendering to the form taken by loose fibre and a single needle.


et:

Is there a particular message or feeling you hope viewers will take away from your work in the exhibit?


I hope each message and feeling is unique to the individual. I want people to project an element of themselves into the artwork as they see fit.


et:

Do you think digital technologies have changed the art world? If so, in what ways?


I believe digital technologies have certainly changed the art world. With increased accessibility, we’ve seen a massive increase in the spread of information resulting in knowledge and skills transfer that greatly impact the art space. However, we have also seen an increase in the pressure to commodify and monetize our art which has complicated implications.


et:

If you could collaborate with any fictional character, who would it be and why?


I would collaborate with Carol from ‘Where the Wild Things Are’ because I think a creative outlet would be really good for them.