Award Category: Applied Art and Design Award

Marilyn Lee’s creative approach to motif, pattern, design and texture are initially inspired by the process of dyeing wool in varying colours and shades to create an extensive palette. In 2005, Marilyn launched a new line of contemporary textiles under the label of “MML textiles” at the Interior Design Show in Toronto, exhibiting her mastery of technique and refined sense of design. Marilyn received her training from the University of Calgary and the Alberta College of Art & Design. She has shown her work in major fairs and shows across the country and in solo and group exhibitions. Marilyn was one of a handful of Canadians to be included in the 2004 World Meeting of Felt Art Exhibition in Hungary.

After studying textile arts at Capilano College, Katherine Soucie founded her clothing company, Sans Soucie in 2003. Katherine creates innovative garments using reconstructed hosiery to produce clothing that is comfortable, functional, and figure flattering for women of all shapes and sizes. Katherine begins with unworn nylon hosiery, which she then hand dyes, deconstructs, silk-screens and heat sets before reconstructing into yardage and creating wearable clothing. Katherine’s pieces have been featured in national and international print and television media, and can be found in boutiques and galleries throughout British Columbia and the United States.

Combining their interest in textiles and soft goods, in 2004, Barnaby Killam and Stuart Sproule established Red Flag Design to create products with both sustainable and aesthetic values. Drawing on both their technical and conceptual expertise, Killam and Sproule sought viable recycled materials with unique properties. In its first commercial line, Red Flag Design uses retired or obsolete boat sails in its distinctive bags called AUM, (Alternate Use Material). Killam is a graduate of the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design and BCIT and Sproule received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design and a Masters of Design from Design Academy Eindhoven, The Netherlands.

Originally from Denmark, Bendtsen is a renowned furniture designer and manufacturer whose ‘Ribbon’ chair was added to the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1974. Focusing on simple, high quality designs, Bendtsen’s furniture combines expression and function with outstanding results. Bendtsen’s work is celebrated in Canada and overseas and was commemorated on a Canadian stamp.

Known for her love of large-scale and dramatic pieces, Sturdy was inducted into the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts in 2005, and in 2001 was named by Metropolitan Home magazine as one of the top 20 designers to watch for in the next decade. A leading designer of furniture, home accessories and sculpture, Vancouver-born Sturdy recently received an Honorary Doctorate of Letters at Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design + Media.

Erin Dolman creates unique jewellery pieces that combine natural objects such as dragonfly wings and feathers with vintage prayer cards and old photos. Each piece is comprised of at least three layers of sterling silver, copper, acrylic and hand carved, cast elements. Her work has been shown in Vancouver as well as the Sun Valley Arts Festival  in Idaho and the Bellevue Art Museum in Washington. Erin owns Holy Crow Designs and her work will be featured in the upcoming publication “500 Brooches.”

Vance Everitt is living proof that it’s never too late to start over. After a debilitating accident, Vance left his job as a mill operator to study at the Kootenay School of Arts. Since graduating, he has established Blackhaus Designs and is showing promise as a serious contributor to furniture and small object design. Drawn to both modernism and sculpture, Vance works primarily with wood, metal and acrylic, creating beautiful and functional pieces. His work has been shown in Kelowna, Vancouver, and the Kootenay Art Gallery, and was featured at the 2005 Interior Design Show in Toronto.

A graduate of the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design, Jay Grandin takes a creative and innovative approach to applied art. With the furniture world under increasing pressure to generate environmentally friendly products, Jay began using low impact materials, allowing for easy disassembly, and interdependent design moves to reduce the environmental impact of production. Jay obtained his Bachelor of Design in May of 2004 and has recently worked as a furniture maker, a model-maker and is now in industrial design with Steelcase, the leading office furniture manufacturer.

Since founding Mandula (Moda) in 1998, Hajnalka Mandula has become one of Canada’s most innovative fashion designers. Experimenting with organic, renewable materials and hand-made elements such as vintage hand-woven fabrics and sand-washed beach glass, her clothing reflects the West Coast and her commitment to the environment. Her pieces push boundaries by using the sensuality of the female body as a canvas for the timeless, sleek look. A major proponent of BC design, Hajnalka collaborates with local artists and offers internships to students from local design schools. Hajnalka’s pieces have been exhibited in Vancouver art galleries, featured in national and international fashion magazines, and can be found in boutiques in Vancouver and Los Angeles.