In the library this week, I found the video, The Art of Quilting, a PBS Home Video (2007). Today as I viewed it, I was inspired, encouraged, and delighted by the images and commentary about contemporary American art quilts and the artists that create them. The video has 3 different segments with a focus on the quilts and artists involved with–1) Quilt National, a biannual exhibit, 2) Chicago School of Fusing, a group of artists using the technique of fusing in construction, and 3) Art Quilts Philadelphia, a biennial event featuring art quilts.
For anyone working in the textiles arts or anyone interested in the design process used by these artists, I recommend this DVD. You may want to visit the websites of several of the artists with art featured on The Art of Quilting video …a few I have visited include: Melody Johnson, Bob Adams, Therese May, Pam RuBert, Tafi Brown, Lisa Call, Dinah Sargeant, Joy Saville, Kathyanne White, Anne Lullie.
For artists who work with fabrics and thread, the visual elements of color and texture, along with the feel, or hand, of the fabrics are all part of the inspiration and motivation to work in this medium…I believe the traditional, symbolic, and emotional connection with fabric through-out the history of civilizations is the draw for many viewers of this art.
♥ Who are your favorite textile artists?
Joni Beach 
