Discover how White Rock artist Kat Siemens transforms vintage textiles into handmade cushions, featured at the Kaleidoscope Culture Crawl exhibit.
Turning Old Into Extraordinary
Imagine a cushion that feels more like a piece of art than a household accessory. That’s exactly what White Rock artist Kat Siemens, also known as La Dream Kat, is creating. Her handcrafted cushions, stitched from vintage and antique fabrics, are set to be a highlight of the Kaleidoscope exhibition during this year’s White Rock and South Surrey Culture Crawl.
Visitors can explore her work at the White Rock Community Centre on Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., where Siemens joins a roster of local creatives across 39 cultural events.
A Lifelong Passion for Fabric
Although Siemens is well-known for her paintings and upcycled fashion pieces, fabric has always held her heart.
“Even before I started painting, I worked in fashion design and illustration,” she explained. “The textures, the colors, the artistry behind textiles—it’s always inspired me.”
Now, that inspiration is stitched directly into her cushions, which she describes as quirky, slow-stitched, and perfectly imperfect.
More Than Just Home Décor
Unlike mass-produced items, Siemens’ creations carry character. Some pieces are intricate fabric collages, while others showcase hand-blocked patterns. Even the tassels are made by hand from reclaimed wool.
Her creative partner? A vintage Kenmore sewing machine she affectionately calls Maggie. “She’s from the late 1940s,” Siemens shared with a grin. “I love the way she helps me keep every piece feeling truly handmade.”
Each cushion is meant to appeal to personal taste in the same way paintings or sculptures do. “They’re not just pillows,” Siemens noted. “They’re wearable art for your home.”
A Philosophy of Imperfection
Siemens embraces the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which celebrates beauty in imperfection. Minor flaws, repaired tears, or gentle fading aren’t mistakes—they’re part of the story.
“If you like everything flawless, my work probably isn’t for you,” she admitted. “But if you value history, charm, and uniqueness, then these cushions are made for you.”
From Art Show to Online Store
After testing the waters with small batches at earlier shows, Siemens is expanding her cottage industry. She’s preparing to launch her online shop, ladreamkat.myshopify.com, in November.
But for now, her work remains rooted in something bigger than commerce.
“This is about giving fabrics a second chance,” Siemens said. “So much material ends up in landfills. My goal is to reuse, to create beauty, and to remind people that imperfection can be just as stunning as perfection.”
