Inspirations from Nature…and An Artist’s Materials.

Another wintry scene…

ice encased twigs sparkling in the light…

snow silently falling…

a winter’s break for all!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As a textile artist, I wonder if some people understand an artist’s motivations for in working in a particular art medium? Many times artist’s feel the urge to create because they are drawn to certain material(s) for some reason, such as fabrics…clay…wood…or watercolors. Is the reason because of~ how it feels to the touch?, how it looks?, or the way one can change or form it into something else?

On these cold, gray wintry days, I realize how drawn to the vibrant, rich colors of the fabrics and threads that I use in the studio! When I long for Spring, perhaps these colors become a substitute for nature’s flowers? Or, they give me an emotional response of hope and joy?

Another reason I work with fabric and threads is because of the texture and “feel” of the cloth to my hands…the softness and textures as creations are designed and made. In layering the batting and backing with threadstitching, additional textures are created and layered through-out the piece.

Textile art is unique in the soft, tactile nature of the materials, which can cause an  emotional response to the cloth. The depth of line and textures an artist can obtain is different than painting, sketching, and similar mediums.

I was drawn to fabrics as a child in grade school. I loved to visit a local fabric store and view all the many types, color, and textures of fabrics and threads…it fascinated me and motivated my imagination then,,,

and continues to now these many years later!

*If you are an artist, what is the material that most calls to you? For other Creatives in Life, are there types of art that you seem drawn to, because of the type of materials used to create it?