My friend suggested I go visit KSUT in Carmei Yosef, 35km (22mi) south-east of Tel-Aviv – a beautiful spot in the Judean foothills. She thought I’d love the textile studio. And she was right.
Edit Kaplan Friedberg is unique among many designers and people. She is charming, amicable and modest. However her creations are outstanding. Fabric sculpture that you can wear if you are brave enough, if not display it in your home.
A scholarship recipient, graduate and mentor at the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, she specialized in textile and fashion design. She also worked as an undergarment designer for Delta Studio with big name clients such as Marks & Spencer, Hanes and Ralph Lauren.
While on relocation with her husband in London she studied art privately and worked on designing props and costumes for a fringe theatre. Now I see where her playfulness comes from.
About eight years ago she decided to open her own studio: KSUT which means garment, clothing, cover for the body or coating in Hebrew.
I met her at her studio in the lower level of her home.
Every corner is filled with textiles, colour, texture, combination of fabrics, buttons, jewelry and innovation.
Some are “under construction” or should I say “under creation”.
Each piece is unique. She also collects fabric and crafts from various places in Israel as well as abroad.
Remember when your mother told you to ‘Accessorize! Accessorize!’ Well, this is definitely the right place to come.
Above are felt covered pebbles to be used as paperweights. Note the uncovered pebble in the foreground.
Amazingly creative, she claims to get her inspiration from nature. The above reminds me of soft flower petals and a shawl textured like an octopus tentacle.
Edit considers herself a textile researcher – constantly looking for ways to make 2D into 3D coverings using tying, knots, knitting, sewing etc.
Instead of throwing away extra threads lying about she bunches them up into balls. Sometimes using them as packing material and adding a twig from outside just for good measure. Alternatively it can be used as an Afro.
Edit has typically had an exhibition every year since 2005. She is a member of AIDA: association of Israel’s decorative arts.
Her upcoming exhibition will be in Boston April 9-11, 2010 at CRAFTBOSTON
She will have a website up shortly displaying many more photos of her extraordinary work. In the meantime you can contact her at edit.fr@gmail.com or call ahead +972-(0)54-4998175 before visiting.
All images and text copyright Judy Weiss. All rights reserved.
Her work is so eye catching. I wonder how many people actually dare wear this kind of art – it is visually pleasing, but definitely not very conventional.
I guess that’s why it’s good to be brave.
But what are the prices like?
Prices range from 50 – 800NIS
Edit’s creations are wonderful, whimsical, and unusual. I bought two of her creations (scarf/neckwear) and I get compliments every time I wear them — which is often. Lovely article.