ALEXINA HICKS
Fibre artist and instructor.
Fibres, of all types and sources, from their history to their processing, provide me with a sense of fulfillment and wonder.
|
I grew up immersed in music studies and later studied linguistics, psychology and East Asian Studies. All of these fields of interest shaped me and brought me to where I am now.
I'm a fervent Portuguese Style knitter and knit everything inside out to enjoy those easy-peasy purl stitches. Studying the history and anthropology of knitting methods was a trigger that turned an interest into an obsession. I always had more questions: how do we make yarn, what is it made out of, what are the animals, the plants, what are the processes? How do fibres behave, what do I do to handle them properly? This led me to spinning, history, ethics and an incredible community of passionate people.
I'm committed to share my enthusiasm and help develop a local culture of textiles, based on diversity and educated knowledge of fibres and their usage. I've obtained my Level 1 certification in the Master Spinner program at Olds College in Alberta and am studying the next levels. I've been teaching spinning and knitting for five years now. I strive every time to personalize a subject’s theory for each of my students. I also offer educational conferences on fibres to reveal their characteristics and history. As an artist, I sell my creations; Portuguese knitting brooches and fibre blends that reflect my ethics and values. |
