Elizabeth (Libs) Elliott
Canadian
Elizabeth (Libs) Elliott is a textile artist exploring the intersection of technology and traditional craft by using
generative code to design and make handmade quilts. A deep appreciation for craftsmanship, design history
and future-focused applications are all reflected in her work. She studied Material Art & Design at OCAD
University and lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Her commissions include work for individuals and
corporate clients such as Absolut Vodka. She has exhibited her work internationally and been covered by
press such as Gizmodo.com, Design Milk and Casa Vogue.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I’m interested in exploring how modern technology can transform a traditional and tactile craft into modern
functional art without abandoning the inherent pleasures of handcrafted products.
Many of us have become accustomed to identical mass-produced goods, but I believe many of us also crave
personalized objects that communicate our individual identities. My goal is to underline the importance of
craft in our contemporary age by producing bespoke modern heirlooms – just like quilts from a century ago,
these are pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Working from digital to analogue combines the quick gratification of generative design with the slow
handcraft of building a quilt. I love not knowing what the composition will look like until the Processing tool
renders the image on-screen. There are millions of possible combinations and each one is unique. In the end,
it’s the idea of transforming intangible strings of code into something warm and luxurious that really appeals
to me.
All my quilts are designed using a programming language called Processing. The project began in 2012.
Using Processing allows me to quickly edit the code and generate random compositions from geometric
shapes. I then manipulate the composition until I have a suitable quilt design. The rendered composition is
deconstructed to determine the fabric requirements and best method for construction. The fabrics are then
selected, cut and pieced by hand and machine quilted.
Website: www.libselliott.com
Email: studio@libselliott.com
Instagram/Social: @libselliott
Address: 7 Unity Rd., Toronto, ON M4J 5A3 Canada Mobile: 1-416-930-1145
generative code to design and make handmade quilts. A deep appreciation for craftsmanship, design history
and future-focused applications are all reflected in her work. She studied Material Art & Design at OCAD
University and lives and works in Toronto, Canada. Her commissions include work for individuals and
corporate clients such as Absolut Vodka. She has exhibited her work internationally and been covered by
press such as Gizmodo.com, Design Milk and Casa Vogue.
ARTIST STATEMENT:
I’m interested in exploring how modern technology can transform a traditional and tactile craft into modern
functional art without abandoning the inherent pleasures of handcrafted products.
Many of us have become accustomed to identical mass-produced goods, but I believe many of us also crave
personalized objects that communicate our individual identities. My goal is to underline the importance of
craft in our contemporary age by producing bespoke modern heirlooms – just like quilts from a century ago,
these are pieces that can be passed down through generations.
Working from digital to analogue combines the quick gratification of generative design with the slow
handcraft of building a quilt. I love not knowing what the composition will look like until the Processing tool
renders the image on-screen. There are millions of possible combinations and each one is unique. In the end,
it’s the idea of transforming intangible strings of code into something warm and luxurious that really appeals
to me.
All my quilts are designed using a programming language called Processing. The project began in 2012.
Using Processing allows me to quickly edit the code and generate random compositions from geometric
shapes. I then manipulate the composition until I have a suitable quilt design. The rendered composition is
deconstructed to determine the fabric requirements and best method for construction. The fabrics are then
selected, cut and pieced by hand and machine quilted.
Website: www.libselliott.com
Email: studio@libselliott.com
Instagram/Social: @libselliott
Address: 7 Unity Rd., Toronto, ON M4J 5A3 Canada Mobile: 1-416-930-1145
