Sunday, May 18, 2014

Discover The Beauty Of Fiber Art Quilts

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.

Many of the designs are bursts of abstract color, shape, and energy. Some artists use geometric shapes and lines, either done with color or with stitching. Others use fabrics and thread as freely as the masters used paint to make their work explode off the wall. The variety you'll see in this art form is as wide as in any other.

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.

Fabrics can be almost anything, but cottons are popular, in batiks and chintzes. Foil-stamping and metallic thread are sometimes used to highlight designs. Different effects are achieved by using patterned, dyed, and painted cloth, and texture is supplied by mixing fabrics. You may see beads, shells, feathers, wire, cording, and other accents as well.

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.




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