On Saturday, I watched an episode of "Why Quilts Matter". It was Episode 5: Gee's Bend: "The Most Famous Quilts in America". It was interesting to learn about the history of Gee's Bend, the quilts, and the women who made/make them. It was also interesting to learn how the Gee's Bend Quilt exhibits came to be. You know, the whole art vs. craft debate. Anyway, all this got me thinking......
Why do quilts matter to you?
And where do you stand on the art vs. craft discussion?
Are quilt art? Are they craft?
Maybe a little of both.
(Yes, I know that is more than one question, but I'm curious to hear what others think about this.)
oh my gosh... powerful questions.
ReplyDeleteWhy do quilts matter to me? .... the process of making them has become my joy. As I get older I keep learning the lesson that happiness comes from being fully engaged in the moment, in the "flow." Quilting does that for me. And my brain is delighted by playing with color and texture ... makes me want to hop out of bed in the morning, open the blinds and see what is on my wall!!!
I also LOVE the community of quilters. We are the nicest, most interesting people!
Art vs. craft... both! I think each quilter can define for herself/himself how they identify their work(s). I have some quilts that are craft, some that are art. As far as the outside world, art quilts are now being accepted into the hallowed halls of galleries and museums... but it is still fun to see surprise on the faces of viewers as they approach a piece and realize it is fabric, not paint!!!
Now I've got to find that episode on Gee's Bend quilts! LOVE them!!!
Great questions, Pam!