Hooked is an ode to rug hooking artist Deanne Fitzpatrick. Inspired by her work and her philosophy of making, this 20-minute documentary offers an intimate portrait of her daily life as she reflects on her beginnings and the pivotal decision to become an artist.

The film lingers in mostly static frames, compositions that echo the texture, stillness, and storytelling quality of Deanne’s rugs. By resisting excessive movement and rapid cuts, I aimed to create visual space allowing each frame to breathe, much like the slow and deliberate process of rug hooking itself. This restraint invites the viewer to observe closely, to contemplate, and to find quiet inspiration in the ordinary rhythms of her day.

The narrative unfolds through an intimate interview, placing the audience in the room with Deanne. The camera does not intrude; instead, it listens. Her reflections guide the film, weaving together memory, art, and the courage it takes to claim the title of “artist.”

At its heart, Hooked is an inclusive film. It speaks not only to established artists, but to anyone who has ever felt the pull to create. The film is an invitation to slow down, to trust one’s instincts, and to begin.