By Arline Bradley
Attention, art lovers! There's a relatively little-known art form being enthusiastically created by talented people that can bring color and excitement to your home or simply provide much pleasure to all who view it. Fiber art quilts are a niche that many aren't even aware of, but one that won't remain a secret for much longer.
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.
Go online to see how artistic flair brings bold color and design to the world of quilts. Some creations evoke traditional patterns that quilters have used for generations, although they might be explosions of color our grandmothers never envisioned. Others take inspiration from nature - from backyard birds to the cosmos - or spin off into abstract designs.
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.
Go online to see how artistic flair brings bold color and design to the world of quilts. Some creations evoke traditional patterns that quilters have used for generations, although they might be explosions of color our grandmothers never envisioned. Others take inspiration from nature - from backyard birds to the cosmos - or spin off into abstract designs.
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.
It's fun to visit the websites of various artists and see how different and individual quilts can be. There are also galleries that sell the works of many artists. Exhibits where you can see actual works on display are held all around the US and in many other parts of the world. Awards are given at these exhibits, and many works will be for sale.
Cotton, a traditional quilter's fabric, is still popular. Chintz and batik are used, as well as hand-painted and organic cottons. However, any fabric might be incorporated. Foils are popular, as is metallic thread. Patterned, dyed, and painted cloth is used for the background. Pieces are joined by hand or machine, and embroidery is used to add depth and detail. Some artists work only with fabrics and threads, while others add beads, wire, cording, shells, 'found objects', or anything else they need for the effect they want.
These are, of course, one of a kind creations. Artists have their unique vision and technique which fans learn to recognize, just like the brush strokes of renowned painters. The use of color, shape, and texture is widely different, making viewers wonder at the surprises this medium can offer. Each individual brings his or her own vision to life. One artists suggests exploring her works further by changing the angle at which they are hung.
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 wa
It's fun to visit the websites of various artists and see how different and individual quilts can be. There are also galleries that sell the works of many artists. Exhibits where you can see actual works on display are held all around the US and in many other parts of the world. Awards are given at these exhibits, and many works will be for sale.
Cotton, a traditional quilter's fabric, is still popular. Chintz and batik are used, as well as hand-painted and organic cottons. However, any fabric might be incorporated. Foils are popular, as is metallic thread. Patterned, dyed, and painted cloth is used for the background. Pieces are joined by hand or machine, and embroidery is used to add depth and detail. Some artists work only with fabrics and threads, while others add beads, wire, cording, shells, 'found objects', or anything else they need for the effect they want.
These are, of course, one of a kind creations. Artists have their unique vision and technique which fans learn to recognize, just like the brush strokes of renowned painters. The use of color, shape, and texture is widely different, making viewers wonder at the surprises this medium can offer. Each individual brings his or her own vision to life. One artists suggests exploring her works further by changing the angle at which they are hung.
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 wa
Cotton, a traditional quilter's fabric, is still popular. Chintz and batik are used, as well as hand-painted and organic cottons. However, any fabric might be incorporated. Foils are popular, as is metallic thread. Patterned, dyed, and painted cloth is used for the background. Pieces are joined by hand or machine, and embroidery is used to add depth and detail. Some artists work only with fabrics and threads, while others add beads, wire, cording, shells, 'found objects', or anything else they need for the effect they want.
These are, of course, one of a kind creations. Artists have their unique vision and technique which fans learn to recognize, just like the brush strokes of renowned painters. The use of color, shape, and texture is widely different, making viewers wonder at the surprises this medium can offer. Each individual brings his or her own vision to life. One artists suggests exploring her works further by changing the angle at which they are hung.
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.
These are, of course, one of a kind creations. Artists have their unique vision and technique which fans learn to recognize, just like the brush strokes of renowned painters. The use of color, shape, and texture is widely different, making viewers wonder at the surprises this medium can offer. Each individual brings his or her own vision to life. One artists suggests exploring her works further by changing the angle at which they are hung.
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.