Barb Hunt

Medium: Textiles

Location: Courtenay, BC

Website: www.barbhunt.com

Bio:

Barb Hunt’s grandmothers were daughters of Irish and English pioneers in Ontario, and both were avid quilt-makers. As a child she learned basic sewing skills essential for life on a farm. After graduating with a Diploma in Art from the University of Manitoba, she began to use textiles in her art practice, and she later completed an MFA at Concordia University with a specialization in Fibres. Her work has been exhibited across Canada and internationally, and she has been awarded artist residencies in Canada, Paris and Ireland.

Q & A

1) Have you had to adapt your studio/home/space to be more suitable to your practice during this time?
I set up my sewing machine in my studio so that I could make masks and nurses' caps. When it gets warmer, I'll work outside on my current art project. 

2) Can you describe your daily/weekly art practice, anything that you do differently because your studio is in such proximity?
I am spending all my studio time sewing masks and caps, but soon I'll devote a day or so to my own work. And I help my brother and his wife in their large garden because this year they can't have wwoofers (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms www.wwoof.ca) help them. So I spend two days a week in the garden, four days in the studio, and I give myself a day off every week to catch up with email, letters, and editing. (In my spare time I edit artist statements, CVs, proposals, etc.) 

3) Has this time of self-isolation changed your practice in any way. I know a lot of artists are missing things (materials, space, etc). Has this time pushed you to be more creative or think outside the box in your practice and can you give us an example?
I have been invited to show work in a biennale and I need to buy linen. Normally I would travel to Vancouver to buy it, so that I could see the colour and feel the fabric. But now I have to order samples online which is a long process.

4) What is your favourite part about your home-studio?
My dog Blackie! He gets me out for a walk every few hours and that clears my mind and reminds me what a beautiful world we live in. 

5) Do you have any goals of creativity for this time?
Just to keep working.

6) Any messages you would like to share with everyone during this time?
One day at a time; hug a tree : )