Fog and Swell Interview

Lets hear from Kristy Pedersen of Fog and Swell....

What is your favorite part about working in this medium?
Natural textiles and fibres are so full of texture and colour and amazingly adaptable to my ideas. Sure, the fabric I pick doesn't always do what I want, but in general I find textiles to work well for translating what's going on in my brain to a real piece. Plus bonus points for being something I can easily work on while sitting on the couch!

What is your background?
I've worked as a graphic designer for a number of years, although my education background is mainly in anthropology and writing. I think my interest in anthro and natural history contributes heavily to why my pieces are focused on the creatures and history of the environment around me. I have a creative family, lots of folks who have been artists or enjoy making things with their hands, which I will blame for my general "I can make that!" attitude about pretty much anything (let's be clear: I am not always right). My mom was always good at sewing clothes and other crafts, which got me started sewing and knitting at an early age.

Favorite crafty tool?
Plain old needle & thread makes me happy, as do a pair of knitting needles, but if I can define this more as a creative tool than strictly "crafty", my favourite by far is my camera. I am usually the most happy and feel most inspired when one is in my hand, no matter what the subject matter.

Favorite fall activity?
Fall is my favourite season, so there's a lot I love about it. However, tramping through the woods in search of mushrooms has to be pretty high on the list - I love finding and photographing all the different kinds that pop up in our lush forests on the raincoast, and last year I started foraging for edible ones too, which I plan on continuing this year.

Did you have any inspiration behind the toys you are submitting for Plush You!?
The British Columbia coast (Vancouver Island in particular) is largely my inspiration for all my work, and my pieces for the show are focused on a few of the larger marine creatures that I find really amazing in this area (although they range farther afield too).

www.fogandswell.etsy.com