Beginning her creative career in 2001 with a successful label called Mink Jewellery, Tammy Kanat happened upon weaving about seven years ago. After struggling to find the perfect woven feature piece to finish off a new home renovation, Tammy did what most of us might only ever talk about, but never actually do – she made her own.
Tammy’s uniquely colourful, textural works are testament to her inherent creativity, with her large-scale woven wall hangings becoming the instant centerpiece to any room they inhabit. Her most recent collection of playful, rugged circles in bright layers of colour are a new direction, inspired by a trip to Milan earlier in the year. ‘I am a restless creative, I get bored very quickly, so I feel my work is constantly evolving,’ Tammy muses.
As is the case for almost all creatives in this time, Instagram has played a pivotal role in exposing Tammy’s work to a huge audience. ‘Instagram was a main catalyst for my art to develop into a career,’ she says, ‘I had a positive response from my work and several collaborations and opportunities came about, which encouraged me to look at it seriously career choice.’ Even actual-real-life-celeb Miley Cyrus (!!) is among Tammy’s forty-four thousand Instagram followers, direct-messaging Tammy to sing her praises! (WHAAAAAT!?). As the mum of three teenagers, this was certainly a ‘moment’ for Tammy and her family!
Aside from showing three INCREDIBLE pieces at The Design Files Open House later this month, Tammy’s latest work can be found in a recent collection with US homewares brand Anthropologie (!), and in collaboration with two iconic Australian brands, including rug company Cadrys and a soft furnishings brand Creswick Woollen Mills. The future looks bright Tammy – say hi to Miley for us!
Suss Tammy’s exquisite circular woven wall hangings at The Design Files Open House in Melbourne later this month – it’s all happening in Collingwood, November 23rd – 26th.
