Thursday, June 5, 2014

Fiber Art Quilts Offer New Forms Of Expression

By Sally Delacruz


A quilt basically consists of two layers of fabric with a central core of batting or wadding. Fiber art quilts retain some of the qualities of traditional versions, usually consisting of layers of fabric stitched together but the similarity often ends there. Some quilters producing these items reinterpret or adapt traditional themes in new ways but many depart altogether from tradition, regarding a quilt much like a canvas on which they can express their creativity.

There are artists who still use many of the techniques they learned from quilting. However, they have adapted them and departed from tradition, treating the quilt more like a blank canvas for expressing creativity. The variety of techniques, fabrics and threads available inspired their creativity, moving them into a more free flowing expression. They moved beyond the rules governing traditional quilting, giving rise to a new medium altogether.

There pieces are intended to take their place alongside other forms of art displayed in houses and galleries. They are not bed coverings any more. Artists often have all sorts of ways of handling the fiber they use. They tear, stamp, dye and paint until they are satisfied with the result. Colors, textures and shapes are used in arresting new ways.

In the past, a quilt was stitched in a certain way so as to keep the layers together. With this new form of art, stitches have much more than a purely practical function. The variety of threads available make it possible to use them to add all sorts of color, texture and shine. There are also many techniques used for stitching such as embroidery, knitting and weaving.

The inspiration for such artists is varied. Some are inspired by the serenity and tranquility of nature. Others use their own experiences in daily life as inspiration. Some images are representational whilst others are more impressionistic. Ideas and concepts become catalysts for pieces, often giving rise to wonderful abstract designs.

All art quilters are faced with a decision on how to finish their pieces. The actual quilt may be given a border or binding may be used but then there is the question as to whether it should be framed. Many fiber artists feel it is more consistent with their aesthetic not to use frames, especially when a piece is designed to hang in a private, comfortable space like a bedroom or living room.

These pieces are usually fairly expensive as they are unique and take many hours to create. The price is influenced by factors such as the price of materials used, the number of hours it took to make and its size. When buying an item of this nature, it is important to consider that the price is influenced by the fact that it is a work of art, created by someone with a unique vision.

Each piece is unique, with different techniques and materials being used to execute the. Artists sometimes battle to obtain recognition for this type of work as art rather craft. This can be frustrating for artists who make these pieces to be admired aesthetically and expect them to be regarded in the same way as any other art form.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment