BIN DS THAT TIE Ex-chef turned weaving extraordinaire, Hila Eshel’s eclectic weaving style leaves much facination over how different influences can harmonize and be as one.
How did Hili Studio and your passion for weaving come about? After being a full-time mom for almost ten years, I felt ready to start doing something for myself. I’ve always had a love for art, design, photography, and fashion. I have a degree in culinary arts, which is still one of my biggest passions. I knew my next step would be something creative, I just didn’t know what that would be. (I did know that I was ready to graduate from Lego building and making creative school lunches!) I took a year to just explore my interests. My first experience with weaving was during a class I took at Bloesem, and I immediately fell in love. It has been a fun journey, and by the end of the year I knew I’d found my way. How do you get your inspiration for your pieces? It comes from all directions. Colours, textures, materials, textile, art, design. Luckily I have always been surrounded by creative people who inspire me as well. Mostly, I love exploring and working with colour combinations. I always start by choosing a colour palette for the piece and that has the biggest influence on the design. We noticed that you use mix media pieces for your works, is there a particular reason for that? I believe this is what makes the pieces own-able and unique. I like, for example, to add silver or gold leaf because it brings a contrast that makes the piece much more interesting. Other materials add depth and help tell a richer story. Can you pick your favourite piece and tell us the story behind it. I guess my favourite piece is the first one I made. I will always hold on to it as it gave me the confidence to continue and create more. What would you describe as your distinctive weaving style? I love combining materials from all over the world. When I travel I always collect things for my studio. Some pieces have a branch that came from Australia, wool from Japan, and ceramic beads from Tel Aviv. I believe these combinations are what makes each piece truly one of a kind. Why do you think weaving is making such a big come back and how is it relevant to the craft scene right now? Weaving is trendy now with the Boho style in fashion and interior design. The cool thing about it is that it goes well with other, more minimalistic styles. I love how this ancient art is coming back in a very fresh and youthful way. Any advice for people who want to get into weaving? The best way to start is to take a class and understand the basics. From there, your creativity and style will come out naturally. It’s a relaxing craft that is very rewarding.
Hila will be teaching a series of weaving and macrame lessons at Bloesem class. Visit Bloesemshop.com for all the details and follow Hila on Instagram @hilistudio for some gorgeous colour play!
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Si gn u p for th i s cla s s a t bloes ems h op.com
6 Apr 2016