Quilting as Art

Many comtemporary quilts are also called art quilts; most of these are wall quilts. There is no one defination of an art quilt, but it is usually not made from a traditional quilt block pattern, although it may incorporate traditional blocks in an innovative way.

There are many techniques used in art quilts that are not used in traditional quilting. Because the wall quilt is not handled and washed like a quilt made for use, embellishments and fabric painting are often incorporated into the design.

I've overheard some people in viewing art quilts complain because "they are too abstract." Now I ask you, what is more abstract than the traditonal quilt block called "fying geese" which is nothing but a row of triangles? What most traditional pieced quilts have in common is their repeating of the block throughout the quilt, sometimes forming secondary patterns. This is a pleasing arrangement that most of us are comfortable with and so we don't pick up on how abstract they are. Their purpose is not a message, but a harmonious whole that matches the color scheme in your bedroom.

The art quilt, in contrast, uses color, shape, line, pattern, texture, and value to convey its message. What is that message? You may never know, but a good artist knows what her message was. Often it is merely a mood or a feeling being expressed, and if it speaks to someone, it is successful.

Uniqueness?

Another aspect of the art quilt is that it is unique, one of a kind.

Yet, that is not really true either, as more and more art quilters write books and publish patterns, you can duplicate these beauties. This quilt that I made from an Estrita Austin pattern is a case in point. I made it to learn a technique and there are many such opportunites out there.

As these comtemporary quilts become even more popular, they will eventually become just another technique, like an applique or a whole-cloth quilt.

At the same time, those among us who have artist's hearts will continue to make true art, using fabric as their medium. I'm trying to be one of them.

All of my quilts are end-notes to my experience--either visual, spiritual, or feeling derived. Click on any of the thumbnail images for a larger view and notes about how and why I made them.
Some of the items can be purchased.