Once upon a time quilts were only used on the domestic scene. They covered beds, served as wall and window coverings, were draped over pieces of furniture, and could be wrapped around a human body for both warmth and comfort. Today quilts are still used in these traditional ways, but the definition of a quilt is quite broad, no longer being limited to a bit of soft filler sandwiched between two fabrics.
The art quilt has been born, and is evolving as quickly as artists can locate and experiment with new materials. Their world is peppered with phrases such as rust dyeing, sunprinting and burned-edge applique. Yes, quilt layers can still be stitched or tied together, but they can also be fused or stapled or buttoned. Instead of fabric, an artist might use newspapers, paper bags or even upcycled metal beverage cans or plastic soda bottles. Fabrics are just as likely to be painted or distressed as they are to be dyed.
A burgeoning world of new fibers, textiles and techniques is available for experimentation, and a number of BBEST artisans are leading the way in this exploration. Marion Barnett of artmixter, for example, writes about a textile called Lutradur in her e-book called “Lovely Lutradur,” available both in her Etsy shop and through her blog.
Rust as an artistic medium is explored by Liz Plummer. In her Dilapidation wall hanging, for example, she describes the “rusted silk habutai fabric which was originally hidden underneath linen squares, stitched in a grid pattern which was then cut back to reveal the rusty fabric underneath.”
Gunnel Svensson has mounted her art quilt on a wood gallery frame. It consists of handpainted fabric, with a thick carpet of embroidery fibers.
Finally, Margaret of libertybelle melds together fabric, embroidery, buttons, and a photo transfer on Lutradur to create a fabric post card.
Today's quilts are not just for comfort, color or home decor. If you are interested in learning more about any of the techniques these BBEST artists use to create their version of a quilt, you may wish to read Fabric Art Workshop: Exploring Techniques & Materials for Fabric Artists & Quilters, by Susan Stein.
What is BBest?
The BBEST Team is a vibrant and talented group of Etsians aged 40+ who are dedicated to Etsy which is synonymous with quality handmade items. Our very diverse group provides a place to chat, exchange ideas, help and support like minded members who call themselves the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team.
Here you will find business articles, helpful links, new trends and maybe just a little humor thrown in for good measure, too!
Here you will find business articles, helpful links, new trends and maybe just a little humor thrown in for good measure, too!
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Not just a quilt
Posted by Judy Nolan at 3:20 AM
Labels: art quilt, fabric post card, lutradur, quilt, rust dyeing
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10 comments:
Art quilts are beautiful and so interesting to look at. Wonderful article, Judy!!
Awesome Judy! I love art quilts!
Lovely article, Judy - thank you for including my rust dyed wallhanging.
Great post!
jn, some great choices there. wonderful post, thank you!
Great post. There is still so much to learn about textile arts!
Thank you for a great article Judy. I am really flattered that you have included my postcard alongside such beautiful work.
This was a wonderful article! I really enjoyed reading about it. The talent among those who create the art quilts is awesome! I love the colors and textures and the examples you showed. Nice post all around!
Great post! Nice to know a little about art quilts!
Great article! I have missed it !! Thanks for including my embroidered / art quilt !!
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