Recently, a review of a show by one of my favorite people and favorite artists, Nancy Crow, has been a hot topic of discussion on two of the mailing lists that I read regularly. I’ve found both the review and the discussion to be quite thought provoking. The review, by Cate McQuaid, which ran in the Boston Globe, can be found here.
On those mailing lists, (which I read faithfully but in which I never participate) much ado has been made about the use of the word “quilt” in describing our art. I have always avoided the word “quilt” when describing what I do, especially when I’m trying to explain my art to someone in the fine art world. Say the word “quilt” and images of grandma in a rocking chair are sure to pop up. I’d rather just avoid that. Instead, I have used “textile artist” to describe myself. It’s easier to go from there to an explanation about how my pieces are grounded in the tradition of quilt making but travel a different route, not meant for the bed but instead for the wall. Or something like that, anyway. <grin>
It occurs to me that I’m a bit of a purist when it comes to my art. I like to use fabric and thread in my pieces, and nothing else. Occasionally I will use paint or colored pencils if I feel that the fabric I’ve chosen is not working exactly the way that I had in mind. But for the most part, I am not comfortable using “stuff”. My personal definition of “stuff” is: that which makes lots of art quilts look as if they were made by a “second-grade girl.” (Calm down, those are not my words, that’s what the reviewer said!) I truly hope not to offend anyone who likes to use those “quilt-art” type of materials. It is simply my intent to say what I feel, which is a very personal thing! I have avoided using “stuff” in my own work, except for a bit of experimentation with friends. A lot of it is really fun to play with, but I’m not so sure that the end result is really “art”.
I will continue using fabric and thread to make my art, and I will continue to use the three layers, (fabric, batting and fabric) paying tribute to the quilt making tradition. I like the softness and shadows that are created when the thread compresses the fabric and batting — I think that it’s beautiful, and it’s completely different from the look that is achieved by any other type of art, be it sewn, drawn or painted.
Just my opinion.
Ms. McQuaid’s review was, indeed, thought-provoking. I think that a discussion on the definition of an art quilt could fill a book. I, too, call myself a “Fiber Artist,” because when I say that I make quilts, people do mention their grandmothers’ bed coverings. This is a journey, to say the least!
Diane
I feel a lot like you, Elizabeth. I subscribe to Quilt Arts and ooh and ah over all the interesting things that other artists do, but when it comes right down to it, I’m mostly about piecing and stitching.
Please accept my award of the Golden Butterfly
An award given for generosity of time, sharing of knowledge, inspiration, encouragement and charitable contribution to Quilting & Fiber Art.
Wear it if you like, but please pass it on to deserving fellow Bloggers!
Check your email for the .jpg file
Hugs…Lace
I admire it true patch sewing your art .
I like your work on Magy lace onto him sewing .
Marika