A Conversation + Photo Shoot with Event Stylist, Leigh Hilbert
Monday, March 21, 2011 at 09:03PM 
Hello spring! It's always a surprise, one day you get up, have your coffee, head out and wow–everything seems to have bloomed overnight. It never get old, and it made my morning photographing Leigh Hilbert's work even nicer.
Leigh, Describe your background and how you became a designer and crafter.
It pretty much evolved for me. I grew up very much a tomboy, but took home-ec and learned to sew. The older women in my family were all amazing needle-art ladies. While I studied painting and drawing in college, one of my jobs was in the costume shop. After graduation I moved to the west coast and kept on sewing, picking up some good skills as I went along, learning to work with leather, metal, and ceramics. I had a lot of jobs working for different theater companies, both as designer and seamstress, and was lucky to have some amazing teachers and employers who were very strict in their attention to detail. It really helped me grow as a craftsperson. Right before we moved to Asheville I was primarily an art teacher, but was also still involved in sewing, usually dance costumes or wedding dresses.
What defines your aesthetic?
I would say that I have definitely been influenced by old things–lace, wood, faded colors, and beautiful prints and patterns. I love the feelings and the stories that arise from them. I also veer towards simple things that are made with quality, interesting material–a kind of detailed sparseness.
The Drygoods Shop has my favorite window dressing in Asheville. It makes me so happy when I drive by it–the spontaneity and detail is wonderful. How do you get ideas for those handmade garlands?
I usually work with the season, and what it feels like to me. The last window had all shades of white with wool and cranes and snowy goodness. Obviously winter. I will start on the window, put something in there, get Jean's (my studiomate, Rockpile Bindery) advice, add more stuff, go outside and look, add more stuff, etc... It's like a recipe that you are not really following, rather adding to it as it suits your taste. It's very fun for me to work on, and actually relaxing. I used to do art installations and they bring back those memories.
What does working with your hands mean to you?
It's really very important to me. At one time, years ago, everyone learned to sew, or cut wood, or make pie. If you lived on a farm, you were the cook, the gardener, and the plumber. We seem to be losing that. I am somewhat addicted to learning how to do and make things. I may not be a master, but I feel comfortable venturing into the unchartered waters of things I don't know how to do.
Describe the process of styling The Drygoods Shop.
I basically took all the junk from my house that my husband had been fussing about and put them around the shop! Kidding, well...kind of. I did bring over a lot from my house, things that somehow I come across and am interested by their color, texture, or history. I like little detailed things, boxes of trinkets, glass jars filled with string, and functional items from years past. The place itself is so lovely, it gives me a wonderful place to start. All the shelving and the long table down the middle were original to the building from the 40's, and the light from the front windows is amazing. I feel really blessed to be in this old shop. I tend to use a lot of reclaimed materials, like vintage dishes, barn wood, and suitcases, and the shop is a perfect setting for them.
What do you think makes an object resonate and what informs your creative decisions in combine things?
Wow. Good question. I suppose it comes from years of working with a really wide array of materials and circumstances. I have had many opportunities in my life when it comes to working around amazing artists, and learning from them. Every path I've taken has led me here, to this place, to be doing what I am doing. In the shop I get to utilize all of the skills I have collected. As far as object resonation goes, there is just something there. It's kind of like that Japanese wabi-sabi thing–asymmetry, simplicity, intimacy, and a link to nature. I like things that are not quite perfect, that are faded or chipped or worn, with a rustic simplicity.
Are you drawn to a certain kind of color palette?
It depends on the day that you ask me! Generally I tend to like dirty kinds of colors, ones that are a little washed out and faded. For the longest time I described my favorite color as inside-of-the-swimming-pool-turquoise. But I also love some orange and yellow.
What have you been working on lately?
I always have about ten projects going on! Right now there are 7 bridesmaids dresses waiting for me, as well as some alterations for a wedding dress. I have a new line of bags made from waterproof waxed canvas. It's the kind of material I have a real affinity for - beautiful to look at, understated, long wearing and very functional. I also offer parties at the shop–I just had one of those yesterday. Eight year olds making headbands - it was awesome. We also host bachlorette parties where we organize craft projects that will be used at the wedding ceremony or reception. It is a really nice way to involve the couple's friends and family, while also getting free labor! There definitely does not seem to be shortage of things to work on...
Photos by: Jennifer Callahan Photography
Reader Comments (3)
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