Lynda Johnston

rug hooking and fibre art

You might be surprised to learn that in Canada, traditional rug hooking is designated as a fine art. When my piece, “Temptation”, was accepted into the Art Gallery of Northumberland’s 44th Annual Juried Show, 2023, I was, of course, very pleased but not just because it was an acknowledgement of my work, but because it affirmed and recognised rug hooking as an art form. Then, if it wasn’t exciting enough to be included this Juried Show, open to all artists in Ontario, I went on to win the People’s Choice Award. In fact, the Juror’s Choice and People’s Choice Awards were fiber art!

On this year’s tour I will be offering one-of-a-kind pillows that I create mostly using repurposed materials. I like to take a non-traditional approach in my use of colour and design to make pieces interesting “artcessories” for the home.

The art of rug hooking is easy to learn – there’s only one “stitch” – actually a loop which is pulled through a base material using a crochet-type hook. Rug hooking is not limited to making just rugs, and it’s not limited to the use of wool – alternate fibres can be used with beautiful results. I used sari silk, ribbon, velvet, blankets and have even incorporated rocks, seaglass, seed pods and metal.

My work has been in art shows, galleries and online. I’ve been rug hooking for about ten years and also dabble in needle felting and watercolour painting. I look forward to meeting you on the Tour.

I will have an area so that people can try their hand at rug hooking as well as tools and materials and information about the Northumberland Rug Hookers.