Saturday, May 17, 2014

Discover The Beauty Of Fiber Art Quilts

By Arline Bradley


Announcing a little-known art form! If you love color, design, and fine craftsmanship, fiber art quilts are for you. If you are an artist, this form of expression can expand your horizons. If you are looking for bold decorations or useful accessories for your home, you really need to explore this niche of fine art.

It's amazing what an artist can do with fabric, thread, and accenting details. Some make quilts that can be hung on the wall or used to cover a bed. Others experiment with size and shape, making small wallhangings or accessories for the home like pillows, table runners, place mats, and coasters.

As in any other art form, this medium is limited only by an artist's imagination. Some creators are inspired by traditional quilt designs which they may reintroduce in wildly modern colors. Many people take inspiration from nature. Check out the online galleries to see silhouettes of birds on a wire or tall ships, trees, flowers, and landscapes. Other works, however, suggest nature in shape and color in impressionistic ways.

Those who prefer realism will enjoy the garden flowers, landscapes, and recognizable silhouettes. People who like to see unbridled energy in action will find it in the bold colors and use of shape and line of abstract creations. These artists use textiles like the masters used paint to get effects those of us who are less gifted can only marvel at. The online galleries are great for exploring the diversity and impact of this lesser-known art form.

Many artists have their own websites. By visiting a site, you can learn more about the artist, his or her vision, and the ways they express their view of the world in fabric and thread. Many have won awards at major shows or been honored by having their work exhibited in important public places. The sites may have calendars listing exhibits or shows where works can be seen and perhaps purchased.

Fabrics used are often cottons - chintz or batik or hand-painted organics - but actually almost anything can be and is used. Foils and metallic threads are used for highlights. Texture, color, and details embroidered by hand or machine finish what color, shape, and pattern have started. Some artists use only fabric and thread, while others add beads, 'found objects', ethnic dolls or fetishes, shells, wire, cording, and more.

Both machine and hand embroidery are used to make these one-of-a-kind creations. Each artist has his or her own technique and distinctive style of threadwork, as well as color sense and use of shape, line, and texture. One artist suggests that her works be endlessly explored by changing the angle at which they are hung to get different perspectives on her designs.

This is truly art, not a crafter's imitation of it. It really must be seen to be believed by those of us who haven't been aware of this niche. This is an affordable way to bring art into your home, or you may want to visit galleries and exhibits to simple appreciate what artists have achieved using fabric and thread - and, of course, imagination, talent, and skill.




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