The term sea states refers to the overall condition of a large body of water—with respect to wind, swell and current—at a particular moment and location. Each sea state offers a beautiful metaphor for our own personal, overall condition, and an excellent platform for exploration in surface design through feltmaking. 

There are twelve main sculptural wearable garments, one each for the twelve defined Beaufort sea states. The surface textures and tensions escalate with each state, just as the winds and waves do for sailors around the world.

The idea of a sea state as a way of being was immediately compelling to Fiona. Living on a small island on the Pacific Coast of Canada, the ocean provides continual inspiration, as well as exposure to both the exhilaration of high winds and strong currents and the contrasting soothing calm of a glassy sea surface. Fiona renews her relationship with these waters everyday, with ocean glimpses from her studio, beach side walks, or sea swimming.

While working on these exhibition pieces she did research on each sea state, in order to design a surface that would best reflect each state. Working on a body of work for an exhibition is much like a blue water journey, leaving the known shore, knowing one will face many personal and creative challenges, and hopefully arrive on the far shore, fulfilled and enriched by the experience, although a little windworn and weary! Fiona stretched herself creatively with these pieces, incorporating new materials like paper, ink, and buckram in her feltmaking to build new textile surfaces. As in her other work, practicing awareness of perspective is important. The acknowledgment that for some, or at some times, a sea state of 10 may feel dark and terrifying, inhibiting and oppressive, while at others it can be expansive and exciting, invigorating. Fiona often chooses the garment as a form for her work, as a dynamic canvas, one that is brought to life by our own human movement.

Media ::  blogpost

                 Interview w/DHG (Italy)