Phong Chi Lai, a textile artist
We were absolutely delighted to welcome Phong Chi Lai, the creative force behind Studio PCL, as our guest speaker at this month’s Waverley Patchworkers meeting! Phong shared his inspiring journey and gave us an inside look into his design process, aesthetic, and the thoughtful artistry behind his innovative textile work. His passion for storytelling through fabric truly resonated with us all, and his unique perspective sparked some wonderful conversations and ideas among our members.
Phong’s career began with designing shoes under his own label, which was based in Melbourne. His designs were not just functional footwear but works of art, exhibited in prestigious settings like the Melbourne Now Exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria in 2013. However, his immersion in the fashion industry led him to seek a more meaningful path, and in 2014, he was working with Mekong Quilts, based in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, a social enterprise empowering rural women through employment. There, Phong worked as a designer and marketing mentor, visiting communities to collaborate on projects that deeply impacted his perspective.
While in Vietnam, Phong’s passion for textiles grew, especially antique and ethnic varieties. He admired their craftsmanship but was more drawn to experiencing the surrounding culture. This period laid the foundation for his future experiments with natural dyes and sustainable practices, which would later flourish in Tasmania.
In 2017 Phong worked as a design mentor with The Federation of Handicraft Associations of Nepal, which is the peak handcraft organisation that works with all crafting groups across Nepal; quilting, knitting, shoemaking, etc. The Federation is based in Kathmandu. Phong gets pleasure from helping other people feel more comfortable and confident in what they are creating.
Upon returning to Australia, Phong settled in Tasmania, where he established his first studio, Studio PCL. Here, he rediscovered his love for hands-on creation, especially working with natural dyes like indigo. Driving around Tasmania, he sourced local flora to experiment with dyeing, creating vibrant colours through traditional methods. This period was a transformative time, marked by quiet reflection and deep engagement with the natural world.
Phong’s exploration of quilting began when he sought to utilise dyed textiles creatively. His first quilt, dyed with indigo and avocado, was an intricate endeavour that led to a greater understanding of improvisation and upcycling. The quilt-making journey evolved as Phong embraced unconventional techniques, blending structured traditions with immediate, resourceful design approaches.
Phong’s creativity extended to soft sculptures and dolls, which started as playful experiments and became highly sought commissions. Each doll carries unique character and embodies the joy of wonder and storytelling. Notably, Phong’s commissioned dolls have brought comfort to individuals navigating personal challenges, highlighting the emotional depth of his creations.
Phong’s works have been showcased in numerous exhibitions as well as private collections. Some exhibitions include QuiltCon 2021 in the SuperNova exhitibion, the Australian Tapestry Workshop in the Line/Loop/Line exhibition, Melbourne Design Week 2024 in the Precious Matters installation, MARS Gallery 2025 in the Fashion Artist exhibition and many more. Check out Phong’s website for the complete list. In 2023, he participated in collaborative programmes such as “In Conversation,” working with international textile artists to explore post-production waste creatively. His residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop further emphasised sustainability, incorporating scraps into intricate weavings.
Currently, Phong is engaged as the Artist in Residence at the Braybrook Community Hub, leading workshops focused on natural dyeing and quilting. His commitment to engaging communities fosters a shared appreciation for textiles, empowering participants to explore and develop their skills.
Phong continues to expand his artistic horizons, blending sustainability, storytelling, and hands-on craftsmanship. His innovative approach inspires communities and celebrates the enduring beauty of textile art.
Thank you, Phong, for your generosity, creativity, and for sharing your talents with our community. We’re so grateful to have had you with us!
