Thursday, June 19, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prices of these items can be fairly high as many hours of work and lots of materials go into each piece. The number of hours taken to design and execute the piece plays a large part in the price. The materials used is another factor taken into account as well as whether the piece is framed. A price per square foot is usually arrived at after all factors have been considered.

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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