Friday Favorites by a Fiber Artist

I have decided I am a fiber artist.  I started calling myself that when I felt that "quilter" didn't quite fit the majority of what I do and I didn't have another term to use.  I fought that title for a long time because I wanted to work to earn it.  I wanted to be really, really, really good at art before I declared myself an artist.  Well, I have gotten better although I don't by any means think I have arrived but if I don't call myself an artist, what do I call myself?  If you want to hear more about when to call yourself an artist, here is a post by Elaine.   And here is another about being an artist by Lisa Call.

And while you are at Elaine's blog you might want to check out the pictures she took at The ArT QuILT ExPERiENCE and  Quilt Canada 2011.  I especially like the pictures of the student's quilts from Elaine's class. And I hoped you checked out Lisa' Structures.

 If you feel unsure of calling yourself an artist, then you probably aren't sure if what you produce is art. Well, here is a post by Lynn Krawczyk that discusses whether small works of art are Art with a capital A.  I am including this post because Denise used a previously dyed organza, gave it a coffee/tea bath and burnt holes in it.  Now that is my type of Art.  Isn't it beautiful?  Doesn't look all that big.

I too have felt that I have to work big in order for my work to be considered Art.  However, the last several SAQA events I have attended (or talked to others about) have said that large stuff is just not selling.  Gallery owners want smaller items that might actually sell whether than to waste their walls on a huge quilt that no one will buy.  So, if that is a consideration for you, don't listen to the "Go BIG or go Home" art bullies. Tell them to go and measure the size of the Mona Lisa (it is small) and get back to you.  And, did you check out Lisa' Structures and realize they are all 12" by 12"? 

Those of us who create beautiful fabric often ask ourselves (and others) "now what?"  Now that I have created this fabulous piece of fabric, what should/can I do with it?  Kathy Loomis has a wonderful example of what to do.  This is going on my list of things to try.

And you know how I love tutorials.  Here is one for the art lover--2 pt perspective.  I know. Try not to roll your eyes but artists need to know perspective.  For example, there are some very nice original works of art hanging in the Tutoring Center at wprl but despite the lovely composition, technique, and colors used what I see every time I look at them is the inaccurate perspectives on the buildings.  What a shame the pictures are ruined by it.  I hope the artist learns perspective because I do like the other qualities of her work.

Last is a great sale if you don't make  your own hand dyed fabric.  Vicki Welsh is celebrating 2 year Anniversary by offering 20% off her fabric.  Sale only lasts till Sunday.  

Since I am an artist, I am putting the time in my studio tomorrow and creating!  I hope you get to do the same!