Friday, June 6, 2014

The Aesthetic Appeal Of Fiber Art Quilts

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.

In the 1960s and 1970s traditional quilt making was popular but before long quilters began to stretch the possibilities presented by the vast array fabrics, threads and techniques available to them. Traditional rules regarding quilting were ignored and a new form of expression came into being.

Each artist uses different techniques, fabrics and threads to bring their project to life. The use of fiber to do so offers them a flexible medium and painting, dyeing, stamping and tearing are all possible. A variety of colors and textures are used to bring depth and excitement to pieces. Each piece is different, created painstakingly by the artist and taking many hours of work.

Some of the techniques used are embroidery, knitting, collage and weaving. A traditional quilt was created by using two layers of fabric stitched together with batting between them. The stitching was used to hold the layers together. With this new type of quilting, the stitching does far more than just hold layers together. It is used extensively to add texture and forms an integral part of the design.

Many of these artists receive their inspiration from nature. Some autumn leaves, a sunset, a walk on the beach and many other simple aspects of nature can be interpreted in such a piece. The variety of styles is vast, from representational to abstract and impressionistic. A simple idea or a concept can be a catalyst for a design.

A quilt as an artwork can be finished using various different techniques. Some are finished with binding and some with or without borders. Installing such a piece on a wall is very important as it has to be done in such a way as to cause no damage to the artwork. Too much pressure on the fabric, uneven hanging or slippage has to be avoided.

The pricing of such items varies considerably. The length of time taken to complete the piece, from conception and design through to the finished article, is probably the most important factor. The square footage of a piece is another factor taken into consideration as well as the price of the materials used. The artist might even get involved with actually hanging the quilt for the customer, providing the hanging materials which adds to the price.

Artists often spend many hours on a piece and put their heart and soul into their work. The combination of techniques and materials used as well as the vision and labor of each artist is what makes a piece unique and desirable. As the debate over what constitutes art or craft continues, there is no doubt that many of these items are not just craft but an artwork in their own right.




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