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I definitely consider what I make to be an “art quilt” -although they definitely don’t look like much else in that category! Separate but related, I was advised by a mentor in the fine art world to nix the word “quilt” from my medium-description altogether!

They suggested “mixed media on textile” (I do incorporate yarn into my quilts, so it sort of makes sense) The thought was that for work being viewed in fine art spaces, the average viewer might misunderstand the word “quilt”, expecting something functional.

I think this is a valid individual choice for an artist to make (and I often call myself a “textile artist”) but to me the fact that my work is a QUILT is absolutely essential to its identify.

My take? - A category, defined primarily by the eye of the beholder and generally created to hang on the wall. But not always. - Art vs. Craft … an argument that probably began with cave paintings … And I'm curious. What is the style you picture? I see so many different styles in SAQA land. Thanks!

I picture a style that’s pictorial (real or abstract) with embellishments and elements like appliqué, fabric collage, thread being used in a painterly way… more dense in detail and intricate than ‘modern’ quilts. But I’m just winging it here.

I picture a certain style too. But I’ll admit that I was a bit surprised when one of the reviews of my book said my quilts were more “art quilt” style. I think maybe because my patterns are more complex? Not straight up traditional blocks.

I think of it as a category because the differences in my mind are about medium rather than appearance. An art quilt as I think of it utilizes media and techniques that make it inappropriate for use or washing such as glue, beading, paint, ink, fragile fabrics, etc.

At the National Juried Show our criteria was that it didnt fit in any other quilting category

I like this idea!

This generally makes it appropriate only for hanging. To me an “art quilt” is an unstretched 2d work of textile art, not a “quilt” as it’s commonly understood by lay people.

#FormNotFunction

I’m working on a talk right now about the significance of quilts as medium and in meaning-making, so I’m very immersed in thinking about this right now!

All quilts are “Art”. A quilt specifically called an Art Quilt, is usually one that can’t be washed, used on a bed or uses materials that would be uncomfortable to touch.

I make quilts that I consider to be Art and I don’t want them to be washed. And stylistically, they don’t look like ‘Art quilts’. Maybe I make ‘textile art’ or ‘quilt art’ but not ‘art quilts’. My brain breaks when I think about these labels. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

I just wrote (and was awarded) an OAC grant application on this topic- quilts as art, specifically to be hung on walls, not utilitarian to be used on beds. For me “art quilts” is a category, and “quilt art” is more what I make.

Art is the expression of the person making the piece. If someone is working through emotions or attempting to convey an emotion with a quilt, then I consider it art. But if someone is creating a quilt for utilitarian purposes first, then it isn’t necessarily “art.”