Hibernation Arts - Molly Farquharson

Molly Farquharson of Hibernation Arts has recently opened a new gallery and shop at 7 Peter St. S. in the downtown Orillia Arts District. Although the shop space is new, Molly had been involved with the local art community for the past few years. A prolific artist, Molly creates engaging and thought provoking 'stitchery' as wall art and functional pieces such as bags, pillows and jewelry.

Visit Hibernation Arts on Saturday, September 8th for the GRAND Opening Celebration! Or drop by during the week, Tuesday to Saturday, 11:00am to 5:00pm.

Read on to learn MORE about Molly and Hibernation Arts! 

What journey led you to Orillia?

I lived outside of Canada for 40 years: 20 years in Oregon, a few years in Japan, and finally 15 years in Istanbul.  So I was literally journeying.  My sister has lived in and outside of Orillia for 30 years, so over those many years I visited her, and now here I am in this lovely small town for good.

LOVE the name of your business - how/why/where did you come up with the name ‘Hibernation Arts’?

My first winter back was rough as I was 'waaay’ not used to the cold and snow.  I was given three bags of crewel yarn and embroidery thread, as well as some aida cloth, so I decided to make my own designs.  I had cross-stitched and embroidered for years, but usually from kits, so this was a departure.  That winter I was inside a lot, stitching away, hence Hibernation Arts.

You describe your work as ‘stitchery’ and you create so many amazing art pieces and functional art (pendants, bags, pillows ++), but what would you describe as the underlying story/theme/vibe to your art?

I love to mix yarns and threads and found objects and buttons to see what I will come up with.  I started with kind of fantasy landscapes and went from there. I come from a punny family and I worked with language as an ESL teacher for 30 years, so often I make visual puns or I stitch what I think something looks like. For example, when I was doing the hearts series, people would suggest more heart metaphors and I would make a piece that reflected what I thought that metaphor would look like. It was fun to have a sort of participation from others. So you see, I get on various themes with a vibe that is rather quirky and definitely unique.

You and your business are an amazing addition to the downtown Arts District and the Orillia Arts community, what are your plans and goals for the shop?

Well the shop is definitely a work in progress.  I moved in a couch and armchair that I had had in my cafe in Istanbul, which immediately made it a comfortable place. Of course I have my own stitcheries up and around, but I also take in other artists' work on consignment.  I have a great guest wall and am starting to line up artists for that. In the future I would like to have small events there, from workshops to small shows, poetry readings, whatever would suit the space. I am very pleased to be in the Orillia Arts District and so glad to be on street level.  I look forward to seeing people I have met and to meeting new people as my place develops.

Follow Hibernation Arts on Facebook and contact Molly via e-mail for more information about being a guest artist, showing your work on consignment or purchasing her work.