@ffembroidery

Instagram: @ffembroidery Twitter: @ffembroidery Facebook: www.facebook.com/famousfriendsembroidery Store: www.storenvy.com/ffembroidery  

1. What's your story? Where are you from?

Well I'm an anxious, mildly depressed, stressed out Canadian currently struggling in Lyon, France (I hate that bitch), pretty sure I'm in the midst of a existential crisis (took a buzzfeed quiz, it's confirmed). I moved from Vancouver to Berlin in 2011 and I started experimenting with embroidery a bit there and met my French boyfriend. I went back and forth between Lyon and Berlin for a year and moved back to Vancouver to figure out my visa situation. In 2014, I moved to Lyon, and with that I kicked off my business and started taking things a bit more seriously.

2. Tell us about your aesthetic.

Depression, anxiety and stress with a bit of kitsch. I don't take myself too seriously and most of my patches/embroidered pieces or drawings are very spur of the moment. I'll get an idea and just start it, not much thought...Okay maybe a bit of thought but it comes pretty natural to me. Ugh what a bragger!

3. What is your favourite medium and why?

Well since I embroider I'd have to say cotton embroidery floss, also I really enjoy drawing with posca markers a lot .

4. What is your artistic process like?

Well first I spend too much time searching online for something to watch, most times it's a horror movie but I'm starting to run a little dry and re-watch a lot of stuff. Also reruns of rupauls drag race or other reality TV trash will do. Only half my brain is listening to the movie, the other half is focusing on stitching, so something light. Most of the times I have the colours already picked out in my head but if not that can be the most stressful part...making colour choices. I draw on the design with a tracing light or I just wing it, depends on my mood or how big the piece is, after all that I start stitching forever. A patch will usually take me a few days and something bigger will take me (depending on the stitch technique) around 4-25/30 hrs per piece. I don't know, it's relaxing, it's my therapy so I don't stress about the time that much, I'm not a machine.

5. Who and/or what inspires your work?

Horror movies, my moods, my stress and anxiety, and just my everyday surroundings. I try to get out everyday, wandering and inspiration usually hits me randomly. I can see a cool colour combo on a wall or step in dog shit and be like, "Yass!" and think of an idea, it's random. Mostly, I just like sitting, sipping my coffee, drawing and watching people.

6. What role does art play in your life? How does it change the way you view the world?

Well, I guess it's a big part of my life and kinda consumes my time and thoughts. I mean, selfishly, because day to day I'm always thinking of what to do/make next. Honestly, I think it has made me cautious and more suspicious of people, you meet really cool down to earth people sometimes but sometimes you meet people that just want you as a network and that's so weird to me. It can be scary to put yourself out there, whenever I post a new picture on instagram it stresses me out a little. There are so many young talented artists who get ripped off or copied so it's always in the back of my mind. Obviously there are the good sides too!

7. Where did you study?

I didn't study, I just struggled. I did high school and a tiny bit of university, but that wasn't for me. Sorry Mom!

8. Where do you see yourself in five years? Working in an agency?

Probably slightly arthritic, not living in France I hope, I'll be living in Germany. I see myself definitely still working in Textiles, in some form. Just experimenting and trying new things. Hopefully making enough money to live and travel and be comfortable

9. What about in ten?

Definitely have arthritis! Hopefully I'll still be alive, and maybe have a family?? and have my life/living situation figured out a bit more. Maybe I'll be back in Canada? Ugh I don't want to think too far ahead!

10. What do you hope to achieve with your art?

I guess just to connect with people. Honestly I'm pretty realistic and can't imagine achieving great amazing life changing things...Or if I do then it'll be a fun surprise tho! I just hope that when someone has one of my pieces it makes them smile and it brings a bit of happiness to them. But I would just love to be able to connect with other artists around the world and meet new people. Some of which I've already achieved through Instagram and Tumblr. Hey friends!

11. Now, tell us a little more about you as a person: what is your favourite food?

Hmm I like just a good planche, meat and cheese mix, bread, eating that while drinking a glass of cheap red wine. I mean I live in a France. Also Chips (potato chips, I have an addiction)

12. Favourite book?

I don't have time to read but I got halfway through book 3 of the game of thrones series, It's really good. I usually read if I'm on a long haul flight, but it's been awhile.

13. Favourite genre of music?

Indie, is that still a thing? I like bands that play their own instruments, but also I'm into drake and other top 40 shit, so a mix I guess?

14. What are your hobbies?

Feeling sorry for myself, watching movies, I knit when it starts to get cold. Can travel be a hobby? I hate the airplane/transit part of it but I love visiting new cities and discovering cool places and cafes.

15. If you weren't an artist, what would you be?

It still irks me a bit to think of myself as an artist, or to say it out loud when meeting new people, but I couldn't imagine myself doing anything that wasn't in the creative field. Oh, I got into film school before I moved to Germany, I was on a waiting list and got the call about a month before I was set to move, I deferred it cause I thought I'd be back in a year but plans changed! So a film maker, I like stop motion and still hope to do stuff with film or animation, but I guess that would still make me an artist? Oops! Probably some sort of business owner... I would own a coffee shop maybe. Ugh lame answer.