Mission Statement
Textiles influence and affect all aspects of our daily lives. From the clothing we design and wear to the blankets and carpets we have in our home, our society is highly dependent on functional textiles.
While studying Textile Arts at Capilano University, it became apparent to me that there was an overabundance of non-functional textiles in our world that needed to be made functional. throughout my experimentation, i discovered that a process of dyeing, cutting, and silk-screening regular-grade nylon hosiery resulted in a more stabilized and functional material. Not only does the material become stabilized, but it is also machine washable, more abrasion-resistant, and less likely to ruin or run.
Since developing this process, i have been producing and exhibiting one-of-a-kind and limited production textiles and clothing that incorporate this process. I believe that i have not only reinvented a use for this fabric, but I have prevented it from going to the landfill a lot sooner. From the textiles i use to the dyes and silk-screening pigments I apply to my work, i am making a conscious effort to use products that are safe or minimally-damaging to our environment. It is important to me that we are aware of our resources, and how using them affects our environment. the materials I'm using now and the ones I intend to incorporate into future work will contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally sound industry.
My design philosophy and company name, Sans Soucie, which translated from French means ‘without a care’, truly represents who i am as an artist and designer. the textiles and clothing i create are a result of designing by intuition. The education i have received in both clothing and textiles enables me to fully execute my ideas and contributes to the continual diversity in my work. My goal for the future is to continue developing my hosiery process while exploring other environmentally sound processes that incorporate sustainable materials and technology.
Katherine Soucie (2006)
photography by Ian Sheh