Hi, my name is Charis Birchall. I’m a textile designer in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
I love clean and simple design, which translates into the patterns I create. My textiles are either block- or screen-printed using water-based, solvent-free inks onto natural fibres. The designs begin as sketches, which become repeat patterns that I either burn onto a silk screen or carve into a rubber block.
I’ve always loved textiles, but the first time I realized I would pursue it seriously was when my first-year drawing teacher at the Alberta College of Art & Design allowed me to sew my assignments instead of draw them. I ended up graduating four years later with my BFA in Fibre.
When I’m not printing, creating designs or dreaming up new things to make, I’m hanging out with my two awesome kids and husband. Oh and I'm Vice President of Contextural, an amazing group of textile artists. We foster a cooperative, creative environment in support of the production of new artistic works.
You can find my work at various markets in Calgary and at Project A in Canmore, AB.