Born in Vancouver, BC, Linda Coe has always loved fibre, text and colour. Linda’s captivation with textile work began through multi-faceted experiments in surface design on fibre with internationally acclaimed surface designer Carole Sabiston. With a Bachelor of Design from Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Linda has spent thirty years practicing and teaching communication design while also devoting time to developing her own visual art. Linda’s practice has continued to deepen, inspired by the workshops of a diverse array of accomplished fibre artists.
In her practice, Linda first researches her subject, delving into a vast range of primary sources from present day all the way back to original medieval texts. Constant themes in Linda’s work are change, time, memory, and subtle shifts in the narrative of women’s role in both public and domestic spheres. Her preferred medium is dye painting on discarded linen and cotton tablecloths, runners, and napkins.
Household linens (no longer the currency of a dowry, nor even treasured by today’s youth) hold the stories of gathering: our every day and the celebratory, of present day and generations past. It is these stories, told to Linda by relatives and friends, that inform this body of “women’s work.” Beyond the traditional ceremonious transfer from one generation to the next, these ubiquitous materials achieve a new power in the fusion of story, the linens, and the hand (made) of the artist.
After researching, Linda sketches out ideas, refines the compositions, and then hand-dyes household linens collected from family, friends and thrift stores. Painting, printmaking, stenciling, and dying (applied through Immersion and resist) all add colour and depth to Linda’s work.
Next, Linda cuts and layers translucent silk over more opaque sections, and the collage is then hand, and/or machine stitched, building even more texture and nuance.
The richness and infinite possibilities of colour and the tactile three-dimensional quality of textiles offer Linda’s artistic curiosity endless opportunity to explore. A love of information, typography, books, and the natural environment all inspire, and then appear in Linda’s unique textile mixed media work, ranging from handmade books and small, framed pieces, to larger wall hangings.
Linda has shown her work in numerous group exhibitions in Canada and the US, including several invitation-only exhibitions. Highlights include “Unusual Characters” (ECUAD, with Nicole Dextras and Eleanor Hannan); “FeminArte” (Conservatorio di Santa Marta, Montopoli, Italy: Virtual Exhibition); “Intertwined” (ECUAD, Textile Society of America); and “Brides: Portrait of a Marriage” (with Lilian Broca, Grace Gordon-Collins and Barbara Heller).
An active member of the Surface Design Association, Vancouver Guild of Fibre Arts, Alcuin Society and a Fellow of Design Professionals of Canada, Linda lives and works in her Vancouver, BC studio.
Nature is a traditional and fulfilling theme for artists. But urban life takes its toll on our ability to connect with the earth. My work relates to the role home and gardens play in our society. Rooted in the city, surrounded by concrete, gardens nurture our connection to the land and to each other. They are a haven for personal meditation and contemplation.
Gardeners are as varied as the fruit, vegetables and flowers grown. Microcosms of the natural world—we cultivate, sow, prune and nurture new growth; we are aware of the impact of the weather, insect life and other factors that aid or thwart us. We interact with neighbours exchanging greetings and tips, our children learn the importance of gardens and become actively involved. Gender, age, ethnicity are no hindrance, bringing us closer together through a common bond.
