Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kimberly Leckey. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kimberly , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
From a young age, my heart found solace in the act of creation. Whether it was sketching fashion illustrations during library breaks, twirling across the stage in Irish Dance competitions, or meticulously painting my nails with vibrant hues late into the night, I thrived on bringing beauty into existence. As I transitioned into my late teens and early twenties, my passion for creation led me to pursue a degree in fashion design at Ryerson University, now known as Toronto Metropolitan University. Days were spent draping fabric into elegant dresses, piecing together intricate storyboards, and filling my sketchbook with endless streams of new clothing concepts. The path I had chosen was unfolding before me, and I revelled in every moment of it. However, as I neared the completion of my fourth year in the program, a sense of uncertainty began to cloud my once-clear vision. While I cherished the creative challenges that academia presented, I grappled with the looming question of where my newfound skills and knowledge would lead me. The realization slowly dawned on me that my creativity was yearning for a deeper purpose. While I thrived on the artistic endeavours that filled my days, the thought of channelling my talents solely to fuel the profit-driven machine of a corporate giant left me feeling hollow and unfulfilled.
As I navigated the post-University landscape, a stark realization dawned upon me – the fashion industry’s discord with my core values. The sheer volume of waste emanating from the creation of a single garment gnawed at my conscience, a stark contrast to my ethos of conservation and sustainability. The prospect of mundane design jobs, shackled by rigid schedules and stifled creativity, loomed ominously. A tumultuous internal struggle ensued as I grappled with the stark choice between compromising my beliefs or charting a new, uncharted course.
So, I packed up a suitcase and moved to Costa Rica.
Perhaps my purpose lay not in the bustling streets of Toronto, but in a simpler, more serene setting. Armed with nothing but a suitcase brimming with swimsuits and a trusty sketchbook, I embarked on a journey to uncover my next creative pursuit – mastering the art of surfing. Over three transformative years, I embraced a slower pace of life, relishing in the beauty of simplicity and immersing myself in the tranquil embrace of the ocean. Escaping the frenetic rhythm of city life proved to be a pivotal decision, shaping my path in ways I could have never foreseen. Had I not ventured away from the urban chaos, I shudder to think of the toll it might have taken on my well-being. Now, my soul found solace in the proximity of the ocean, where I could surrender to the waves at any given moment. To sustain this lifestyle, I delved into various odd jobs in the coastal havens I longed to call home – from bartending to teaching illustration, serving tables to imparting the art of surfing, and even dabbling as a host for a YouTube adventure series. Each role served as a stepping stone towards my ultimate goal of residing by the sea. It was during one of these whimsical ventures, aimed at earning a bit of extra income enjoyably, that I stumbled upon my true calling – the intricate world of macrame and fibre arts, igniting a passion within me that continues to burn brightly to this day.
In the vibrant coastal town of San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, I stumbled upon a hidden gem – an art cafe brimming with creativity and inspiration. The year was 2017, and the art of macrame was experiencing a renaissance, capturing the hearts of many with its intricate beauty. Intrigued by this timeless craft, I delved into the world of knotting, using the same rope that local artisans crafted their hammocks from. As I immersed myself in learning the art of macrame, a seed of an idea blossomed within me. With newfound confidence, I approached the cafe owner with a proposal for a macrame workshop, which quickly garnered enthusiastic participants. The thrill of sharing my passion with others ignited a fire within me, fueling my desire to explore the boundless creative possibilities that awaited me. Alone with just a piece of driftwood and cascading ropes waiting to be transformed, I felt a sense of endless potential at my fingertips. Despite honing my skills and creating intricate pieces to sell, there remained a missing piece in my artistic journey – a sense of purpose that would elevate my craft to new heights.
Immersed in the world of art, I found myself drawn to pieces that transcended mere aesthetics, resonating with deeper societal struggles and shared beliefs. These impactful artworks went beyond surface beauty or trendy designs; they delved into the heart of pressing issues, sparking conversations and challenging perspectives. Inspired by the power of art to provoke thought and inspire change, I yearned to create pieces that carried a profound meaning, far beyond the realm of conventional macrame wall hangings found on online marketplaces. Driven by a desire to infuse my art with purpose and significance, I embarked on a journey to craft pieces that would not only adorn spaces but also ignite dialogue, evoke emotions, and prompt viewers to see the world through a new, enlightening lens.
Throughout my life, I’ve had to become resourceful by using materials that were readily available in my environment so when I found myself back in Canada, now living in the small surf town of Tofino, BC, what I found was marine debris – a lot of it. It was ingrained in the aesthetic of the place, polypropylene rope and buoys draped over fences, hanging from signs, and piled high in fish farm yards. I knew I wanted to work with it, but how?
Despite the challenges posed by this unconventional material, I felt a spark of inspiration ignite within me. Determined to harness the potential of the discarded rope, I embarked on a creative journey that pushed the boundaries of my craft. Drawing upon my expertise in weaving and macrame, I devised a daring plan to incorporate the stiff, unwieldy polypropylene rope into my designs. Through a meticulous process of intertwining the marine debris with traditional cotton rope, and securing it in place with intricate double hitch knots, I began to weave a tapestry of textures and patterns, unlike anything I had created before. With each knot tied and each section layered, I felt the thrill of overcoming a formidable challenge, transforming discarded materials into a work of art that spoke of resilience and innovation.
Today, I am planning my largest installation to date: a mural of an octopus comprised solely of trash. The marine debris was salvaged from the local landfill, meticulously cleaned and will be upcycled to be made into a work of art featured at the entrance to a large seafood restaurant. Nestled in a life brimming with creativity and purpose, I found myself immersed in a daily rhythm of creation, drawing inspiration from the boundless beauty of the sea that surrounded me. Through my art, I sought to spark a vital conversation about our relationship with discarded materials, urging others to think innovatively and embrace the wealth of possibilities offered by this abundant, yet often overlooked resource. From the shores of the West Coast to distant corners of the globe, I envisioned a world where waste was not merely cast aside but revered for its inherent beauty and utility, a vision that fueled my every square knot and fueled my passion for purposeful artistry.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Sea Woven is the artistic alias under which I craft my collection of eco-conscious fiber art, drawing inspiration from the natural world. My creations are tailored for individuals who cherish the ocean’s embrace, find solace among the trees, or simply seek to infuse their living spaces with vibrant hues and tactile richness. Through innovative approaches, I repurpose marine debris into intricate tapestries designed for homes, as well as expansive installations intended for public venues, businesses, and outdoor settings.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
– Never abandon your values for a paycheck. It’s not worth the money in the end and at the end of your story, you want to be known for the decisions you made for a better tomorrow, not an easier today.
– Follow your north star, not society’s conditioning, or your family’s expectations. You may have to have some radical trust in the universe and its larger plan for you but take it from me, you will never regret a decision when it comes from your deepest intuitive knowing.
– Be bold in your artwork. Don’t do what others are doing, play, and experiment until you find something that has come from an authentic part of your creativity. Don’t stop searching until it flows easily from the divine creative part of you that is authentically your own.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
As any seasoned artist can attest, a mentor is a precious gift. In my case, Pete Clarkson, a fellow marine debris artist based in Tofino, serves as my guiding light in the realm of creating with ocean-sourced materials. Pete’s artistic journey blossomed from his involvement in shoreline cleanups, where he discovered a wealth of unique items washed ashore by the tides. Given the niche nature of marine debris as a medium, Pete took notice of my macrame work with these materials and graciously invited me to a collaborative session at his studio. Surrounded by a treasure trove of collected beachcombing finds accumulated over the years, Pete’s creative process unfolds into whimsical marine debris landscapes, collages, and sculptures. During our discussions on techniques, material cleaning methods, and fresh perspectives on salvaged items over cups of coffee, Pete proposed a joint project. Together, under his expert guidance, we conceptualized a wire framework shaped like a water bottle, to be filled with discarded plastic water bottles, symbolizing the enduring impact of single-use plastics. This collaborative experience proved to be both enriching and empowering, marking a significant milestone in my artistic journey as I embrace this newfound role with confidence and purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: seawoven.com
- Instagram: @sea.woven
- Facebook: Sea Woven
Image Credits
Lexis Lancaster, Nicole Holmann, Eric Martin, Inga Pracute
