We partnered with Texas-based fiber artist, Lauren Williams to create a design-forward, modern take on the traditional quilt. Available in two colors, Dusk and Dawn, this collaboration made our jaws drop with it’s stunning use of color, line and natural material. Inspired by Lauren’s popular tapestries, the Geometric Quilt is a statement piece, perfect for any room in your home. Go behind the seams of this bold layer in Lauren's Dallas studio and watch her create the fiber art that inspired this unique collaboration!
How would you describe your work?
I look at my tapestries like a canvas – but with movement. I suspend hundreds of individual wood strands and use paints and dyes to create beautiful designs. From the way the fibers hang to the amount of dye they absorb, my art has a mind of its own; each piece is truly unique. While I always start with a vision, the direction changes based on the fiber’s reaction to the dyes. I would describe my work as bold yet peaceful with an organic appeal.
What makes the Parachute x Lauren Williams Geometric Quilts unique?
The Geometric Quilts are my first foray into bedding and I love that they introduce a bold, design forward look. Like Parachute’s core quilt collection, they are filled with a poly batting – but unique to this collaboration, the quilts are 100% linen. I love that that these pieces are essentially artwork for your bed – instantly adding personality and interest to your living space.
How did the Parachute x Lauren Williams collab come together? How did you approach the design process?
I was inspired to expand my art into a more tangible product after seeing how excited people were to touch and feel my tapestries. I knew that in partnering with Parachute we could create the the softest piece of livable art that people could wrap themselves in.
We started the design process by sketching the different ways my tapestries could be executed into a linen quilt. Taking my three-dimensional art on to a two-dimensional paper design was a challenge, but the team at Parachute was incredibly encouraging and equally committed to making this collaboration a success. Through careful evaluation and many discussions, we landed on a piece that had sharp angles in the dye design and I’m overjoyed with the final product.
Where do you source inspo?
Nature is a major source of inspiration, especially for color combinations. I love playing with color and choosing hues that are unexpected but still natural.
What do you love about your part of creating?
I love that my form of art requires cooperation. The fibers I use have a mind of their own, and as an artist, I choose to embrace that. The more freedom I give each tapestry to come alive, the more beautiful the final result. I love the process of letting go and watching something magical develop in my hands.
Tell us about your background as an artist...
My first piece of art was conceived as a solution to a blank wall in our Dallas home. After posting photo of my “weekend project” to Instagram, friends and eventually, strangers started requesting custom pieces. I continued to be a “weekend artist” for a couple years until I made the full-time switch after having our third son. I have been creating fiber art in my home studio for almost 5 years now!
You began your career in L.A. and are now in Dallas. How have the two cities influenced your work?
The inspiration I feel from the west coast has always been so powerful. The colors found in the L.A. sunshine, water, sky and foliage feeds my soul. Our trips to visit family and friends in Malibu are a dose of creative vitamins for me. And Dallas has been an amazing place to harvest that inspiration. It provides me the opportunity to work from home and be with my family while creating art. Both cities hold dear places in my heart.
Any tips for other creative entrepreneurs?
Don’t quit your day job...yet! It takes time to work through concepts and ideas. As soon as you turn them into a “job," you walk the line of suffocating the creativity. You have to be true to yourself and your art – people respond to passion, authenticity and originality, so don’t lose that.
[Ed. note: This collection has sold out. See similar.]