Blog | Michelle Sirois Silver | Contemporary Textile Art | Canada

Michelle Sirois Silver

textile art and the hand hooked surface

to rework or not to rework

to rework or not to rework

A few weeks ago, I reworked the background on a piece that had been exhibited last year. It got me thinking about a question that I’ve been asked several times, “how do I know when a piece is finished”? I started writing the first draft for this blog post yesterday. Coincidentally, earlier this morning while my new work was being photographed by Ted Clarke for an upcoming exhibition, a studio visitor asked if the work was finished. I paused before responding because I was ta

"Sure, that would be nice."

"Sure, that would be nice."

Last year a dear friend called me up and asked if I wanted some fabric samples. Someone she knew wanted to get rid of the samples but didn’t want them to end up in the landfill. She also offered to pick up and deliver them to the studio. My inside voice was screaming NOOOOO!!! But my outside voice said, “Sure, that would be nice. Thank you for thinking of me.” When she pulled up the SUV was packed with boxes. There was even a huge suitcase. My heart leapt and sank at

hooked on a feeling

hooked on a feeling

I often hear artists talk about making art based on a feeling. It sounds esoteric. But in fact, that’s how I make my art. My art making is often a catharsis. I use it to sort out my feelings about love and loss, day-to-day life. My work titled Repair 1, was inspired by a family member’s terminal illness. As I watched her transition from this world into the next I was struck by the kind and caring family members who supported her on her journey. I wanted to express that fee

how small art restored my sanity!

how small art restored my sanity!

I totally get why Jeff Koons works with a team of fabricators! I’m known for my hand hooked art but what you didn’t know is that some parts of the process are just plain hard and a little soul crushing! When a studio visitor asks how long it takes to make one piece I explain how over several months I work on 2-3 pieces at one time…if the visitor digs a little deeper they will learn that when I work to a deadline there is little room for failure. Or when I complete a body of w

small gallery spaces: unexpected

small gallery spaces: unexpected

The artist in me has been slow to embrace the small gallery and the community focused art experience. Many artists are concerned about the optics of exhibiting their work in what is referred to as alternative venues. Right or wrong they believe that their artwork won’t be taken seriously by collectors and critics. My artwork is currently hanging in the Paneficio Gallery window at 800 Keefer Street until February 28. The gallery window is 5’ x 6’ x 3’ and it’s the smallest