Grant heaps

“I collect the unwanted and discarded.. I have amassed a large collection of things that many people would see as useless. I find great beauty in things that people made but have little value today. I make objects. I build ephemeral moments into solid objects. I began with large mural-like quilts. I then started making sculptures using layers of fabric. I am working on a series of scarves made of scraps that spotlight our wonderfully wasteful past. I also make jewelry honouring those who inspire me.

There are several new projects being dreamed up. One is building an imaginary home from discarded objects. Creating all its details as samples never to be assembled. My work is almost entirely textile. I like to think of my pieces as part of a lived life. I like to look at my work and remember where I acquired the scraps they are made from.”

Grant Heaps is a Canadian born textile artist. Fascinated with fabric since childhood he has dedicated his life to its worship. He has spent his working life backstage in theatre wardrobe departments. He has been part of The National Ballet of Canada’s touring wardrobe department for 30 years. His obsessions are fabric, the discarded, decay, the end of the world, personal adornment, and home. Grant’s navigation through this difficult world is his drive to make art. His work is a process, slowly doing what is needed to actualize what he sees with his imagination. Pieces tend to be large and complicated with a nod to outsiders. Grant’s work has been shown at The Textile Museum of Canada, The Museum of Art and Design, NYC and most recently in NODE, a Red Head Gallery Exhibition. 

Instagram: @grantheaps