Artist Interview 39: Kai Chan
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Kai Chan was born in China and immigrated to Canada in 1966. He is a textile-based artist, he works out of his home studio in Toronto, Canada.
Tell us about your work?
My work is textile based. They are 3-dimensional and most of them are hung on the wall. They could be site-specific installations to very small-scale objects.
Where do you get your inspiration?
Everyday life.
Why did you choose to go into fibre art?
It chose me.
Which is your favourite fibre medium?
Thread.
What other mediums do you work in, and how does this inform your fibre work?
Cloth, wood, paper, buttons, glass, toothpicks, lawn grass, cinnamon sticks, garlic stems, glass beads, paint and ink. All the materials I have chosen are related to the concept of the work; each material carries its own character, or history which would become the heart of the work.
What specific historic artists have influenced your work?
The 1969 exhibition, "Wall Hangings" in the Museum of Modern Art, New York, opened the door to me for textile as an art form. I look into all artwork, historical or contemporary, East or West for information on art making.
What specific contemporary artists have influenced your work?
Sol LeWitt (born 1928 in Hartford, Connecticut - died April 2007) is a conceptual artist and painter. He gave me the freedom to make work that could be remade with instructions.
Sheila Hicks, American based in Paris, textile artist – Her sense of structure, colour and presentation have set a standard for me.
What other fibre artists are you interested in?
Anne Wilson, Chicago – She is always moving up the ladder in the field.
Sandra Brownlee, Halifax – Her passion and dedication in textile is exemplary.
Tell us about your studio and how you work:
My home is my studio, I work in the basement of my house. When I have some idea I go down to the basement and play. Sometimes the idea works, most of the time not, but would suggest something else, which may lead to another solution.
What role do you think fibre art plays in contemporary art?
Fibre art is gradually coming out from the craft closet. Many fine artists are using this medium in their work.
Is there anything about you or your work that you would like to tell us about?
My artwork is the source in living my life. Because I am making art, I make myself a better person.
