What are you at? Christopher Payne's canvas tapestries

Christopher Payne of Fogo says he's always been into making art and creating new things — which is how he started making fabric and canvas tapestry scenes of Newfoundland.

"I had [painters'] canvasses around and I'm pretty used to seeing people quilting and making textile art," said Payne, who is a Grade 12 student.

"So I took it into my mind that using string and canvas would be cool."

Payne sews strips of fabric into the canvas to create depictions of scenery and landscapes around Newfoundland.

Payne said before he starts, he picks out a colour scheme for the fabric, and then he creates his scene as he sews.  

"I start off with [sewing] a rock,"  said Payne.

"If you show the rock first, you can go from there."

Payne is hoping to create enough tapestries to hold a solo art show.

He said he gets a lot of inspiration from visiting artists who spend time on Fogo Island, courtesy of the Shorefast Foundation.  

However, Payne said he raises a few eyebrows amongst the women that shop at his favourite local fabric supply store.

"They think it's weird that a 17-year-old can sew a picture like that."

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