Friday, January 12, 2007

New Quilt Crush

My friend Becky loaned me the catalog to the Speaking in Cloth exhibit and with each chapter I was more and more impressed with one particular artist. If I ever have the chance to meet Tricia Hassler, I just might have to pull out my check book and buy one of her amazing pieces.

I'm hesistant to copy and paste pictures onto my blog and I'm not in the mood to request permission, so I hope you follow some of those links. Tricia's work is small. The largest of her pieces in the catalog is 37 x 33 , but most have one side in the 18 inch range. Ah, small. I am always drawn to small work -- even when it's published in a book and it looks like it's the same size as everything else. (I also loved the special exhibit of small beaded quilts in Houston. I've forgotten the name of that exhibit.) She also combines her fiber elements with steel. Genius. It's abstract, thoughtfully embellished and full of dimension.

Terry Grant has written a very thoughtful, interesting review of the exhibit. You can read it here. Terry is a great writer. The review is complete and full of unique turns of phrase and perspective. (Terry is also an amazing artist -- one of my favorite blogging art quilters.)

The fact that Tricia came through loud and clear as my personal favorite is just another example of how art is personal and everyone likes different stuff. And that's good. It also reminded me that looking at other artwork and thinking about why I like some things and not others helps focus my ideas about what kind of art I want to make. (Duh.)

The exhibit is built around the concept of six fiber artists sharing ideas about

language
theme
voice
process
challenge
message

The introduction to the book specifies that these concepts were developed from questions.

Why do you choose the language of fiber and thread to make your art?
Do you find yourself working with recurring themes over time?
Is there a visual voice that identifies your work?
What are your working processes?
What are the challenges and joys of making your art?
Does it matter if the quilt communicates a specific message to your viewers?

This all kind of makes me nod my head and think I should be more thoughtful. But, really ... at the moment, I think I'll just dig through my stash and make some new art. Small, of course.

7 comments:

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Terry Grant said...

Deborah, you are too kind! And you are so right about Trisha Hassler's work. It is even more special when you see the real thing—very, very beautiful. I can't say that I know Trisha, but have talked to her several times at different shows and fiber group meetings, and you will probably enjoy knowing that she is very generous with what she knows, very excited about her work and just a lovely woman.

Unknown said...

Aren't the quilts just wonderful! I wish I could see them up close and for real. I thought her combining of cloth and other materials, especially metal, was bold and innovative. I read Terrys review and then went to the Coos site. A great venue and a wonderful reviewer! Now, I cant wait to see what your small works are going to look like!!

Anonymous said...

I have seen her work, at the opening of the show. I adore it, too. Up close you can see the wonderful details in her work that make the metal and fabric synchronize. She is speaking to the Columbia Stitchers this year - come on up and I will take you as my guest!!

Beth M said...

You are right, Tricia's work is wonderful. I haven't seen her work in person but in my internet surfing over the holidays, I happened upon her site and fell in love with her work.

Joanne S said...

WOW! You always have something wonderful to share that gets me going. this was exceptional. I could watch the slideshow for hours and still see something fresh each time. Thank you!

Unknown said...

I came across her work several years back and fell in love with it too. i love metal and fiber together, it compliments each other beautifully.