Claudia Middendorf
[2005, MFA Graphic Design]
Based in Pawtucket, RI
Mathilde celebrates the sustaining power of beauty and comfort in daily life. These European-inspired heirloom quilts and throws are made of carefully curated natural materials; imported linen and 100% cotton sourced in the U.S.A. With each washing, the fabric becomes softer and the intricacies of the pattern work and texture more apparent. I focus on quality, a respect for the timeless power of the handmade, and hold firm to the belief that reconnecting with beauty and comfort will keep us more balanced and in good company with our hectic world.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
I plan the layout with great care. The stitching of every quilt and throw is mapped in a way that emphasizes their texture and I’m keen on the way the character of each piece is enhanced after each washing. It’s like wearing your favorite pair of jeans–after each wash, they just get softer! I’ve always collected blankets and throws–I like how functional and beautiful they are, and I am very interested in using natural materials such as 100% linen and cotton. These are designed for layering in all seasons, as they are very breathable, and entirely machine washable.
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
I was trained as a graphic designer, but my true joy is working with linen and creating functional heirloom quilts and throws that can be used every day. My studies had started by looking at patterned language. I’ve taken that concept further by using it with textiles. I love the tactile quality of the fabric and designing how scale changes work with different patterns. The surface designs are intricate yet simple—a blend of influences, subtle references to structure and line elements.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
My great-grandmother was a French-Canadian seamstress. I have two of her aprons she made for my mother and I admire her simple attention to detail. I’m also a architecture enthusiast and I enjoy walking around the east side of Providence and looking at how builders constructed details on old houses. You can see the window and roof line references in my work. Like them, I focus on quality, a respect for the timeless power of the handmade, and believe that reconnecting with beauty and comfort will keep us more balanced and in good company with our (sometimes) hectic world.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
This is the first time I will be introducing these heirloom quilts and throws in a curated fair. I’m proud to be part of the RISD community. I have many friends that are also participating and I’m excited to be part of this incredible array of artists and designers.
To see more of Claudia’s work, visit mathildehome.com
