Libs Elliott

Hi, I'm Elizabeth (Libs) Elliott. I'm a textile designer exploring the intersection of technology and traditional craft by using generative design to build handmade quilts. A deep appreciation for craftsmanship, design history and future-focused applications are all reflected in my work. I studied Material Art & Design at OCAD University and live and work in Toronto, Canada. My commissions include work for individuals and corporate clients such as Playground Inc. I've has exhibited my projects and done speaking engagements internationally. My work has been covered by press such as Gizmodo.com, Design Milk and Casa Vogue Brazil. All the quilts are randomly designed using a programming language called Processing. The project began in 2012 as a collaboration with designer and technologist, Joshua Davis (joshuadavis.com), who provided the original code framework. Using Processing allows me to quickly edit the code and generate random compositions from simple geometric and traditional quilt block shapes. This ongoing project is an exploration in 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 as art 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. But in the end, it’s the idea of transforming intangible strings of letters and numbers into something warm and luxurious that really appeals to me. I love travelling, exhibiting my work and speaking about what I do. If you're interested in having me speak or exhibit at your event, or if you'd like information about commissioned work, you can contact me directly at the email below.