Kaarina Talvila

AWARDS

2015: Winner 2015 Niche Award, ‘Fashion Accessories – Handbags’
2014: Finalist 2014 Niche Award ‘Fashion Accessories – Handbags’
2012: Winner ‘Best of Show Award’, Refuse/re-seen Exhibit. Some Things Looming Gallery, Reading, Pennsylvania

SOLO EXHIBITION

2013: It’s in the Bag! Some Things Looming Gallery, Reading, Pennsylvania

SELECT GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2023: Vancouver International Airport, Art Display Case Program
2022: ‘Craft Nouveau’, Blue Lines Arts, Roseville California
2018: ‘The Art of Contemporary Fibre’ Circle Craft Gallery, Vancouver BC
2017: ‘ArtWear Biennial’ Fort Collins Colorado
2016: ‘Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition’ Toronto Ontario
2015: ‘Language of Craft’ Alberta Craft Council, Edmonton Alberta
2013: ‘10,000 hrs: Celebrating 40 Years of the Craft Object’ Craft Council of BC 40th Anniversary Exhibition. Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, Burnaby BC
2012: ‘Refuse/re-seen’ Some Things Looming Gallery, Reading Pennsylvania
2011: ‘Trashformations’ Silver Circle Gallery, Putnam Connecticut

I’ve arrived at my practice along a different route from most designers. With a BSc in Geology and a career in software development, I take an engineering approach to design. I explore shapes and structures and enjoy solving the construction challenges inherent in producing such architectural shapes from silk.  

I also love having the opportunity to introduce elements from my two favourite design styles. Art Deco lends its geometry and precision, while the Japanese aesthetic contributes its sense of minimalism and balance.

My label ‘KOTI’ means ‘home’ in Finnish, which is a tribute to my Finnish mother, who taught me how to sew and to maintain exacting standards.

I work out of my home studio in Vancouver BC Canada and am the sole designer and maker of all KOTI Designs pieces.