The Family, a collection of 34 dolls hand-made by the late Malcolm Harrison, celebrate the 21st birthday of their youngest member, Huttette, at indie craft fair Craft2.0 at TheNewDowse on Saturday October 11.

Harrison, a creator of quilts, tapestries and embroideries, intricately crafted The Family in the 1980s using vintage textiles. Each doll comes with its own rich history and quirky personality.

Textile artist Vita Cochran, whose own work has been inspired by Harrison's, has been commissioned to create a 21-year-old Huttette to celebrate the doll's coming of age. The Family, a collection of 34 dolls hand-made by the late Malcolm Harrison, celebrate the 21st birthday of their youngest member, Huttette, at indie craft fair Craft2.0 at TheNewDowse on Saturday October 11.

Harrison, a creator of quilts, tapestries and embroideries, intricately crafted The Family in the 1980s using vintage textiles. Each doll comes with its own rich history and quirky personality.

Textile artist Vita Cochran, whose own work has been inspired by Harrison's, has been commissioned to create a 21-year-old Huttette to celebrate the doll's coming of age.During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Inspiration would be nice, but I'm happy to be working, anytime of day.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
I asked my best friend and she said: 'Like a trade deal between Paris and Tokyo that's written in a haberdashery store which has an op-shop on one side of it and a cafe selling toasted cheese rolls on the other.'

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
The thing I haven't made yet.

How does your environment affect your work?
In lots of ways, but my work can happen almost anywhere.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
Both. In my work you can't have one without the other.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Not using the descriptor 'creative industries' and instead trying to be creative and industrious.

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
Filling the yoke of a Marilyn Sainty green wool dress with hundreds of appliqued flowers. Actually, almost anything involving Marilyn Sainty.

How has Malcolm Harrison inspired your work?
His work is immaculate. I like the dignity and seriousness he brings to the world of textiles.

What have you learnt about Huttette, the youngest member of The Family - from Harrison's collection of home-made dolls?
Having never made a doll before, Huttette taught me how tricky it can be to stuff a limb!

Describe the Huttette 21st birthday doll and how you produced it.
Huttette at 21 is an worldly individual who shares her family's inventive dress sense, and, as her name suggests, she retains strong connections to the Hutt Valley. She has spent most of her life in the Dowse, so she borrowed some items from the Dowse collection to wear to her birthday party - which meant making miniature versions of some Dowse pieces.

How did you incorporate Harrison's work?
Harrison's family of dolls are characterised by wonderful detail, and unusual mixes of colour and texture, qualities which I hope Huttette shares.

Why is it important to keep the tradition and skill of textile art alive?
It will keep itself alive because of the pleasure it brings.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
Robin White

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
GP

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The Orongorongo valley, Devonport , the Woodhaugh Gardens.

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
While making ravioli with friends. Because ravioli takes concentration and music helps with this.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
A flag that says: Vote for Helen Clark

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Solvitur Ambulando. It is solved by walking.

What's great about today?
Pear blossom in the garden.

What's your big idea for 2008?
Too late in the year for a big idea, but there's a nice cluster of little ones.

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Craft2.0 at TheNewDowse

A Family Occasion at TheNewDowse

06/10/08