Cobi Timmermans
Thrifted bedsheet, thread, and cyanotype dye
15″ x 29″
$60

Artist Statement:
This tote bag is made from thrifted bedsheets and is dyed with a photographic process called cyanotype. This project is a commentary on the single use plastic bags of fast fashion, as well as the trending cotton tote bags which, while marketed as sustainable, further harm the environment due to their production’s high water use. The blue references the oceans where many micro plastics remain as well as the water used in cotton production. The foraged foliage from my sister’s garden in the print speaks to environments which are harmed by both types of bags. This project is inspired by working in a fast-fashion store in the past and seeing first-hand the concerning values and lack-thereof within capitalist structures.

Artist Bio:
Cobi Timmermans is an emerging, contemporary Canadian artist living on the unceded, traditional territory of the Stó:lō peoples. She has a Diploma in Visual Arts from the University of the Fraser Valley (2020) and is currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at UFV with a major in visual arts and an extended minor in graphic design. She works with 2D mediums like film photography, printmaking, and collage, turning them into immersive and interactive 3D fabric works. She has exhibited frequently at the Reach Gallery Museum in the Emerge Program, the Citi/SEEN mural program, the 2023 Fraser Valley Biennial, and the community arts space. She also enjoys contributing within the community at UFV as the secretary of the Creative Arts Student Association.

Find the Artist Online:
Instagram: @cornonthe_cobi