The Dwell 24: Tiffany Loy

Singaporean designer Tiffany Loy describes the weaving loom as the earliest computer, its products a binary system of threads going under and over one another to create images. Her work—shaped by studies in Singapore, England, and Japan—unpacks thousands of years’ worth of knowledge and techniques. 

With weaving, "there is so much that one can discover," Loy says. "For example, the same white threads used to weave two different fabrics will result in different shades of white, since the behavior of light and shadow depend so much on the texture." 

Though she works with an eye to the past, her creations are inventive and often delicately complex. Her Pastiche textile layers two patterns: Zigzagging fine blue woven lines run over bold painted yellow lines. The composition distorts when stretched over the folds of a Zanotta Sacco bean bag chair, turning a familiar form into something new and beguiling.

Read the full Q&A with Loy below.

Hometown: Singapore

Describe what you make in 140 characters. I create bespoke textile designs as well as fibre-based art pieces.

What's the last thing you designed? A new type of wall-covering made from a range of environmentally-responsible materials.

Do you have a daily creative ritual? I start the workday with a wholesome breakfast to help me concentrate.

What everyday object would you like to redesign? Why? The face mask—if it was both effective and extremely comfortable it wouldn't feel like a hassle to use it.

Who are your heroes (in design, in life, in both)? I admire Dóra Maurer's attitude and enthusiasm for working across a range of media, while expressing ideas along the same thread.

What skill would you most like to learn? Picking up different languages quickly—if that's a skill.

What is your most treasured possession? My first weaving loom.

What's your earliest memory of an encounter with design? Playing with LEGOs when I was about five years old.

What contemporary design trend do you despise? I'm generally not into trends to begin with.

Finish this statement: All design should... add value to life, or at the very least, not make it more difficult.

What's in your dream house? Space! And plenty of textile surfaces.

How do you want design to be different after we emerge from the pandemic? I'd like design to be less mass-produced, more bespoke, and more appreciated.

What do you wish non-designers understood about the design industry? Design takes time.

You can learn more about Loy by visiting her website and on Instagram.