In the context of this exhibition, “fiber” is defined as any material spun, beaten or extruded into a long linear format, which may include:
Proteins - silk, wool, hair
Cellulose - cotton, flax/linen, rayon, raffia, reeds, sisal, abaca, willow, bamboo, and grasses
Plastics, polyester, acrylic, model, microfiber, monofilament, vinyl tubing, fiber optic cable, etc.
Metals, wire, braided or woven strips, cables and cords, hammered, metal strips, etc.
Exhibited works may also incorporate fiber art techniques:
Weaving - loom and off loom
Basketry - twined, coiled plaited
Netting - knotted, or knotless and lace work
Quilting - pieced, layered
Crochet
Knitting
Wrapping
Knotting
Braiding/Plaiting
Splicing
Felting
Paper making
Stitching - couching, embroidery, appliqué, trapunto etc.
Surface design - dying, textile printing, and painting on fabric
Art Fabric manipulates these materials and techniques into objects, whose primary purpose is aesthetic, didactic, thought-provoking, emotional or spiritual, and exist on their own beyond function.
By the end of the 19th century, handmade objects were denigrated in favor of newer, machine made goods. This included textiles which could be woven at greater speed and lower costs. The reaction against manufactured goods started with William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement in England. And in 1870 Morris began producing hand woven tapestries to be hung in his buildings and interiors often incorporating abstracted and stylized plant motifs. By 1914 his ideas were being expanded by German architect Walter Gropius as he reorganized the
Weimar Art School into what we today refer to as The Bauhaus. This “school” was in fact a laboratory where all of the arts, all of the crafts and even performing arts were brought together for the sole purpose of cross fertilization; all were equal and all would collaborate. Experimentation + Intuition = Innovation. The unbelievable output of significant Art Fabric in the post war period is a direct result of experimentation starting with the Bauhaus.
This exhibit is a beginning, a bringing together of creators of like mind living near one of the greatest natural wonders on planet Earth; Lake Superior. The power of the Lake cannot be denied. Let’s see what this group of provocateurs can bring into being with each installment of fiber arts VARIATIONS.
