Theo Heras is a Toronto-based children’s author, artist, and former librarian. In 2017, after needlepointing pillows, wall hangings, cushion covers, and keychains for several decades, she was inspired to embark on a years-long “Words in Wool” collection resulting in her 2023 exhibition featuring fourteen pieces. A companion book, Words in Wool, documents the inspiration and stories behind each piece.
Fibre artist Theo Heras, creator of the “Words in Wool” needlepoint collection.
Michale Raske: You mentioned to me that you started to do needlepoint in your twenties, but don’t remember who introduced you to it.
Theo Heras: I don’t, and I feel really badly about that. Whoever it was, I thank you very much! I learned how to knit from my mom when I was young—mostly hats and scarves. I tried crochet and made a few pretty things, but it didn’t touch me deeply. All I can say is I took to needlepoint. Given I was told as a young child I couldn’t draw to save my life, to be able to create visual art—it’s huge.
All images courtesy Theo Heras.
