BCM Storytelling Chair by Christelle Cartier-Mutombo
About the Creation
Artist Christelle Mutombo-Cartier produced two beautiful storytelling chairs for the Haringey Feast. One chair reflected her personal artistic practice and the other was developed in a maker workshop with Tiverton Primary School.
Both creations showcased the beautiful fabrics Christelle worked with and the weaving skills learnt by the school children at the workshop.
About the Artist
Christelle Mutombo-Cartier was born in France and her family is from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Living in Haringey for over 20 years, Wood Green is her home. Christelle likes working and repurposing scrap fabrics.
Back in 2019 she began weaving or braiding off-cuts of African wax fabrics onto a stretched canvas.
She says of herself: “I am a recycling “freak”. I just can’t let it go if it’s still got life – I must recycle it! I’m not a hoarder as such. It is more an upcycling system for me, reusing what I have found, or saved. During the Pandemic, I had more time to focus on my art. Different shapes, different size canvasses, different fabrics. Experimenting with my art was a way of supporting my wellbeing during lockdown. My art is my resilience.”
About the Community
Christelle said of the workshops with Tiverton Primary School:
"The opportunity to adapt my technique by upcycling textiles onto an old chair was a challenge and a joyful inspiration. Working with young students from Tiverton Primary in a workshop was an exciting journey - also a privilege and an honour. We learnt from each other, by weaving and plaiting and braiding fabrics together – and talking about what makes us happy when we make things. Making new shapes, merging fabrics together to create new blended designs, colours, patterns and textures. It was fun making it. And we all agreed to try this: make something every day – and be happy!"
