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Textile Artists That Inspire !

I am always excited to see the work of other artists! Especially textile artists....perhaps because there seem to be fewer of us out there.

In the 70's while working as a designer in Halifax I discovered "Suttles & Seawinds" creations. An ambitious undertaking by a local designer to update traditional quilting patterns and hire local women to create everything from quilts to clothing. Suttles & Seawinds not only prospered in Canada but received acclaim in major centers like New York . And I certainly treasured the pillows and vests I purchased from them for many years. And it planted a seed in me to have my own studio one day working with textiles.

After moving to B.C. I saw Carole Sabiston's wallhangings in Munro's book store in Victoria. I was fascinated by them and later had a chance to see her art close up at a show at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. And although it would be many years before I created my first tapestry type wallhanging she inspired me to use textiles to create art not crafts.

Just last year I received a book called Rags to Riches about Laurie Swim's work. And I was immediately captivated by her scenic textile wallhangings that have been inspired by her new home in Blue Rocks N.S. I grew up in Mahone Bay which is only a few miles away and I can testify that she has captured not only the images but the lighting and mood of the east coast. I have had a twinge of home sickness ever since. And her huge commissioned art quilts have inspired me to think big!

I truly believe we can always learn and grow creatively by studying other artists work. Even if they work in a different medium or in a completely different style we can always be inspired by their God given creative gifts working through them.

 

Quote

Then all the skilled artisans on the dwelling made 10 tapestries of fine twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet fabric with an angel, cherubim worked into the material.

Exodus 36:8

Your creations are beautiful.
Cam B.

About Shelley

For designer and artist Shelley Barr, "God is in the details". This belief has earned her the affectionate nickname "the detail lady". Whether Shelley is creating a textile wallhanging or mixed media on canvas, it's her attention to details that makes the difference.