Whispers Of Comfort: A Kitchen Sanctuary In Art and Function
In Process
Thesis Ideation
In preparation for 2025 OCAD U Grad Ex, Leah creates a life-sized kitchen installation using a combination of textile and ceramic mediums. Her work explores the intersection of functional art and design, considering how they can evoke a sense of tranquility in the home. Through her unique approach, Leah reimagines everyday domestic objects, infusing them with personal artistry and intentional craftsmanship. Her ongoing processes emphasize sustainability and functionality, actively incorporating upcycling and material reuse to bring her vision to life.
Known as the "heart of the home," the kitchen serves as Leah's canvas for exploring the connection between handmade craft and interior design. Emphasizing everyday handcrafted objects, she goes the extra mile to create nearly every piece in the installation entirely from scratch through textile processes including weaving, batik, sewing, and paper making to ceramic processes including throwing, slip casting, and hand building.
Cabinet Upcycling
Cabinet: Backsplash + Window
After sourcing a second-hand cabinet for free, Leah embarks on the process of upcycling it into a functional counter and cupboard, forming the foundation of her installation. She sands it down and adds wheels for easy mobility before securing a plywood board with sturdy legs attached to the back. This board will serve as the backdrop for her handmade ceramic tile backsplash, floating shelves, and a radiant window, illuminated with soft lighting and gently diffused by her hand-painted batik curtains.
Textile Processes
The final installation will feature a blend of waffle weave, sewing, batik, and paper making, each bringing a distinct handmade touch to the space. Waffle weave will be used for hand towels, while sewing techniques will shape oven mitts, an apron, and a carpet. Batik will add depth and pattern to the curtains, and paper making will bring a personal, artisanal quality to a handcrafted cookbook.
Ceramic Processes
Using ceramics, Leah explores various crafting techniques, creating and installing a tiled backsplash with adorned grouting using beads. Complementing this centre piece, the display will feature hand-built, thrown, and slip-cast dish ware, along with ceramic door knobs.
Past Sample Pieces
Ceramic Tile Mural with Adorned Grouting
25 x 20 inches
Mid white stoneware with coloured slip, glazed with a variety of dip glaze and underglazes, grouted with beads. Techniques used include sgraffito, inlay, wax resist, and carving.
2024.
Closer look at Ceramic Tile Mural with Adorned Grouting.
Azulejos Kitchen curtains
18.5x45in
Silk Habotai, recycled satin, wax resist, procion MX dye, gutta resist.
2023
Closer look at Azulejos Kitchen curtains.