EP 171: Find Yourself Through Creativity with Deanne Fitzpatrick

Deanne Fitzpatrick is a rug hooking artist with a soulful story. She started her career as a therapist, but eventually found the art of rug hooking which became a method of self-expression. After 30 years in business, we chat about her journey including re-invention, creativity, growth and finding yourself. Grab a warm beverage and settle for some encouragement, creativity and beauty. -- About Deanne Fitzpatrick: -- Deanne Fitzpatrick makes one of a kind hooked rugs out of yarn and wool cloth, following the same tradition as her mother and both her grandmothers. Within a year of beginning to hook rugs, she began to see it as an art form – a method of self-expression – and has successfully pursued solo exhibits in public galleries and the inclusion of her work in major permanent collections. From the very beginning, she saw that this traditional handwork of Atlantic Canadian women had potential as an art form and sought to have it recognized as such. -- Deanne has written eight books and illustrated one book. Writing is a big part of her practice as an artist and has been an important part of her ability to help revive the craft of rug hooking throughout North America. -- Her work is a reflection on love and memory, landscape and nature. Deanne uses wool cloth and yarn to hook original designs onto a linen foundation. Each rug is hooked by hand, one loop at a time. Deanne describes her time at the frame as meditative and creative time that lets her steep and grow new ideas for her work. One rug leads to another, just as within each rug one colour leads to another. -- Deanne has built a 30-year career as an artist and created a strong following for her work. Each week, she writes a newsletter to more than 20,000 followers about art, life and creativity. Sharing her writing in her books, newsletters, and podcast is an important part of her creative process of making hooked rugs. -- Socials: https://www.facebook.com/DeanneFitzpatrickStudio https://www.instagram.com/deannefitzpatrickhookingrugs You Tube: deanne fitzpatrick rug hooking