Hila Eshel is no stranger to the KOEL team… she’s like family to us now. She has been a loyal fan of our workshops in Singapore and we are happy that the roles have reversed! Hila is now our resident weaving teacher at our studio, sharing her skills with our students. And she’s definitely one that wears many hats – from majoring in fashion design to being a chef and now a professional maker with her own studio, Hili Studio (we can’t think of anything else creative she can’t do!). We can’t help but feel so proud to have a student like her (:

1. Tell us more about your background and what led you to choosing weaving as a craft?
I have always been into art and design. I studied photography, fashion design and have a degree in culinary arts. These have always been and still are my greatest passions. I had to leave the commercial kitchen when I became a mom as the work was simply too demanding. After living in Singapore as a stay-at-home mom for five years and turning 40, I felt it was time to leave my comfort zone, and take a year to explore new possibilities. I took a few classes – some at Studio Bloesem, and weaving stole my heart right away. This is how Hili Studio came to life.

2. What makes you a KOEL Kid?
Oh… there are so many KOEL and talented weavers out there! Personally, I love searching for the most amazing materials and basically just trying to stay true to my style. I strive to tell a richer story by using mix media in my fiber arts. I believe this is part of what makes my pieces own-able and unique. I like to think that I put something from myself in every piece I create.

3. Share with us the creative process behind each of your project.
My inspiration comes from all directions – colors, textures, materials, textiles, art and design. Mostly, I love exploring and working with color combinations. I always start by creating a color palette for the piece, and that has the biggest influence on my design.

4. Pick one of your favourite designs and answer these quick questions! My favorite design is Lola. It was my first sale and it went to someone special.

The inspiration behind this design is… Lola is named after my friend’s little girl. Her beautiful room was the inspiration for this design.

The dream store in which I would like to stock this design is… Haha, that would be on my own website, when I finally have time to launch it!

Which celebrity house can you picture your design at? Isabel Marant, her style is stunning.

If this design made it big, I would… Be super grateful and enjoy a vodka soda with lime.

If this design could talk, it would say… Hug me!

5. Great things take time, so how much has changed since you first started weaving and where do you see it in the next five years?
True. I have much less time for hosting endless playdates, lunch with friends, and can’t even think about taking naps. Our life and home are surrounded by yarn and fiber everywhere. In five years I wish to continue learning, growing, and developing my studio. I would definitely love to continue teaching. I get to meet such wonderful people and it is very rewarding.

Photo Credits: KOEL Magazine & Hila Eshel