Tomomi McElwee

A Japanese quilter in Ireland. Stitching fabric together and quilting distinctively.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I am a quilt maker who fashions quilts for everyday use. I also craft art quilts for use as wall hangings and display. Whilst being heavily influenced by the craftmanship and attention to detail of my native country, Japan, I also incorporate an Irish sensibility in the work I produce. Using traditional and modern techniques and design concepts, I combine fabrics to create new and original work. I am also well known for the highly complex and decorative quilting which completes each piece. Based in a rural area of Co. Carlow, Ireland, I work in a dedicated studio filled with materials and tools. It is also used as a teaching space. I am open for commissions of personalised and bespoke quilts, anything from a place mat to a king size bed quilt

What craft do you work with?

I started making quilts over 20 years ago purely out of curiosity. Since then I have studied a lot of different techniques to create beautiful patchworks of fine fabrics. I also use highly complex and decorative quilting to add greater expression.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

There is an endless variety of quilt making cotton fabric available and the combination of colour and style is limitless. I never get bored of finding ways to piece fabrics together to create something completely unexpected.

How do you start your creative process?

Before I begin choosing fabrics, I have a very broad idea of what colour or shape I want to create. I then pick fabrics according to their colour and print style. These are stitched together, sometimes with, and sometimes without, intention. Once the patchwork of fabrics is complete, I start my favourite part, the quilting. I quilt not only to add texture but also to express my thoughts by stitching complex
and varied patterns and motifs.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My workspace is filled with my favourite fabrics and threads along with my trusty sewing machines and a comprehensive assortment of quilting tools in a large, bright space specifically designed for quilting.

Are there new techniques you would like to try?

I would like to explore the way in which quilting brings about a change in any material.

What have you learnt or the best advice you have received that you would like to share with fellow crafters?

Patchwork and quilting may sound old fashioned and dull. However, once you become immersed in it, you discover that there are so many styles and possibilities to inspire limitless expression. It all starts with simple fabric and thread, but there is so much more to explore. I also loving travelling around the country teaching other quilters new techniques and helping them expand their abilities.