In 1985, after spending
my entire childhood in West Africa, my family and I immigrated
to cold, very cold, Montreal. By 1992, after finishing a fine
arts degree, I decided to move to Toronto to study at the
Ontario College of Art and Design in the Textile Printing
Program. In Toronto, I discovered that being half Swiss, half
Egyptian, francophone and newly bilingual, was the perfect
way to blend into this amazingly multicultural city.
This was also when
I discovered that silk-screen printing is my passion.
After graduation, and three years at the Harbourfront Craft
Studios, I opened my own silk-screen printing studio in the Queen
West District of Toronto. It was during this time that I developed
my funky line of silk-screen printed pillows. This was just the
beginning of a great printing adventure. From pillows to napkins
to light boxes to now clothing and commissioned work – I
have printed on every possible fabric and surface, participated
in some of the biggest craft shows in Canada and the U.S. and
collaborated with fabulous artists and designers.
The neighborhood has changed over the past few years but, I
am still creating in my downtown studio. I have the same talented
sewer that has been with me since the beginning. And although
I sometimes hire extra help to assist me when needed, every single
item made in my studio is hand printed, with water based pigments,
by me.
The best part of all this is meeting the people who love my
work and that have supported me all along. So please, next time
you see my booth at a show, drop by and say hi.
Printing printing
printing, what a great way to spend twelve years. And I can’t
wait for more!
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