I have been visiting the SIDIM Design Show for the past 5 years already!
This design show has become, Canada’s largest gathering of design professionals and an event which showcases the best in industrial design and interior design and where attendees can assist exclusive new product launches, discover the last furnishing and lifestyle trends as well as meeting fabulous people!
The past couple of years I found myself disappointed in terms of the discovery, However I enjoyed this year’s Market space where artisans can display objects that can be bought on site.
Today I’d love to share about an artisan that I met and her gorgeous work.
Meet Monique Ste-Marie
Monique is a designer-maker who applies a modern aesthetic vision to traditional techniques of weaving. She patiently weaves hemp thread to make lovely baskets that are multi-functional.
”For me, textile has a great role to play in the house. It brings warmth to any space” she says with a sincere smile.
Inspired by the resourcefulness of her rural ancestors, who crafted household objects that were both practical and beautiful from the simple supplies available to them, Monique Ste-Marie has always been drawn to the creative reuse of materials. With an eye for texture and form, she is passionate about handcrafting and has explored many artisanal techniques over the years, settling on fabric construction as her medium of choice.
Monique Ste-Marie now applies her clever fusion of craft and design to making multipurpose items for the home. Bold stripes of color bring a new vibrancy to traditional woven patterns, while classic ornamentation motifs are playfully reinterpreted. As she intuitively mixes natural fibers with wood, plastic, metals, and other materials beyond the textile world, the designer’s unique creations transcend the utilitarian to become objets d’art.
Fresh and spontaneous, her collection appeals to the senses and radiates warmth. Its simple forms are sure to find a place in today’s decor.
What inspires me the most about Monique is her story. I shared how I changed my career in my 30’s. Monique re-invented herself and found her latest passion later in life:
When I was young, I got 2 college degrees, one in administration & marketing and the other one in fine arts. Later, I studied a few years in fine arts and graphic design at UQAM (Université du Québec à Montréal).
After my studies, I worked several years as coordinator of projects in the field of advertising to then direct the content department in a media company.
Parallel to my career, I explored several handmade techniques like bookbinding, ceramics, mosaics, cabinetmaking …
In 2008, the need to change my career was imposed on me and I looked for a medium to express my art. While visiting an exhibition at the Montreal Contemporary Textiles Center I fell in love with this medium and decided to enroll in Textile Construction in CEGEP .
In 2012, I finished my studies with my collection of hemp and wood baskets. This was the starting point to start my business.
The Salon des Métiers d’Arts, the Design Haut & Fort and Souk @ SAT exhibitions followed, and since then I work full time in my business from my studio in Montreal.
Where to Buy?
www.saintemarietextile.etsy.com
COIN MAISON Espace Pepin Montreal QC 378 Saint-Paul St. West 514 844.0114
MMFA boutique Montreal QC 1390 Sherbrooke St. West 514-285-1600 #343
LOWELL Mtl Montreal QC 5364 Saint-Laurent Blvd. 514 544.6518
Vestibule Montréal, Qc 5157 Saint-Laurent Blvd. 514 419.3868
How to use it?
Use it to hold crayons, make up tools, towels… Use them in any room of the house!
How Much?
Her baskets range from $45–$150 depending on the style and come in different color ranges.
I truly hope you’ll get to discover Monique’s ever growing selection. I know I’m hooked!
