Artist in Process: Richard Killeaney

Virtually step inside the studio and creative mind of textile artist Richard Killeaney as he works through his creative process:

This is a recording of the LIVE program which aired on July 29, 2021.

About Richard Killeaney:

Richard Killeaney was raised in San Diego, California. He received his BA in Studio Art and French from Hobart College and a Textiles MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has taught textile design to fashion and interior design students at the Pratt Institute, Rhode Island School of Design, Moore College of Art & Design, and Fairfield University. Exhibitions include The New Britain Museum of Art, Schelfhaudt Gallery at Bridgeport University, and a solo show at The New Haven Museum. He has been featured in Mother Earth Living magazine, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, and Quiltfolk. He currently lives Bridgeport, CT where he works on Ocheltree Design.

Ocheltree Design, named after Richard’s great, great grandmother’s maiden name, pushes the idea that green design can truly transform repurposed materials into sophisticated goods. The line takes inspiration from the Southern California Coast and other places Richard has visited. The quilts, pillows, and leather goods are manufactured in Connecticut at a quality to withstand daily use and to become heirloom pieces. Many of the fabrics used in quilts and pillows are sourced from discarded apparel. When new fabrics are used, they are organic prioritizing USA-made goods. All of the leather used for the totes and handbags is repurposed from used apparel sources, discarded leather samples, or post-production leather scrap. The larger goal of Ocheltree Design is to find beauty and sustainability in reuse.
Featured image: Photography by Caroline Valites