Uncommon Threads

About the Artist

Inspiration flies in from everywhere: an arresting view, urban or rural; song lyrics; an interesting conversation …. anything can be translated into fibre art.

And then comes the work: a photograph or sketch, transferred or transformed by paint, and appliquéd onto commercial or my own hand-dyed fabrics. Experiments abound at this stage,and the original concept may shift somewhat.

Finally, the fun: machine-stitching the fragments together and using free-motion quilting to complement or emphasize certain elements of the theme. In addition, I may attach embellishments or ephemera to the topmost surface.

As a former member of the Fibre Artists of Gabriola and continuing member of the Vancouver Island Surface Design Association, I have had the great pleasure and privilege of exhibiting my work in galleries on Gabriola and several cities on Vancouver Island.

My fascination with the BC land- and sea-scapes began with my arrival here several years ago and is reflected in earlier pieces. More recently, I felt the need for more message-based work, given the recent political and politicized events around immigration and refugees. Hence, my just-completed series, “The Hardest Journey.”

Now I am turning back to gentler themes, paying close attention to my surroundings and finding new ways to express my delight and wonder at being an island resident.

Visitors are always welcome (just call ahead, please) to my studio at the Maple Bay Marina, 6145 Genoa Bay Rd.
Duncan BC V9L 5T7

Lesley Comassar

If there’s a theme you’d like to explore, let’s talk about a commission.

Gallery venues:

The Old School House, Qualicum Beach
Nanaimo Art Gallery, Nanaimo
Port Theatre, Nanaimo
Waterfront Gallery, Ladysmith
Portals Gallery, Duncan
Vancouver Island School of the Arts, Victoria
Coast Collective, Colwood
South Shore Gallery, Sooke

My commissioned pieces now hang in homes in Toronto, Winnipeg, Nanaimo, and Gabriola.

Other professional organizations:

Studio Art Quilt Associates
Fibre Art Network