Tag: quilts

  • Trading Traditions: Joey Veltkamp

    Trading Traditions: Joey Veltkamp

    I’ve written before about my admiration for artists using modern quilt making as their medium.   I love the way these artists are taking an old folk tradition and making it fresh.  But there is something altogether different about what Seattle artist Joey Veltkamp is doing with his contemporary art quilts.

    Veltkamp_Sissy Goodwin:I am a good person Veltkamp_This is not a protest Veltkamp_Life after God Veltkamp_Seattle Womens Convention Veltkamp_Not What they seem

    The quilts, part of an exhibition titled It’s Not a Protest. It’s a Celebration! showing at ArtsWest Playhouse & Gallery in Seattle through June 7th, are part play, part politic and all truth tinged with humor.  Veltkamp is known for his comforting subject matter– imagery of beer and blankets ( two of Mr. F’s favorite things! ) and now taking it a step further by creating his own art quilts and flags.

    There is nothing so comforting as being wrapped in a quilt handmade with love– it’s almost like being shrouded in love.  Many of Veltkamp’s quilts carry messages of tolerance and acceptance, a gentle way of saying to the world that we are all the same, all long for the same thing– to be bundled up in love.

    To see more of Joey Veltkamp‘s work, please visit his website.  If you’re in Seattle, be sure to check out his show at ArtsWest!

    All images via the artist’s website.

  • Friday Finds: Fabrications

    Friday Finds: Fabrications

    I am absolutely hopeless when it comes to sewing.  Pretty sure I got a “C” on my big sewing project in junior high Home Ec ( a C was pretty unheard of for this nerd ) and my attempts as an adult haven’t been much better.  But I have a great love for textiles of all colors and textures.  Not only do I completely love contemporary artists who work in fabric, but I am completely envious of their abilities.  You know what they say, those who can, do.. those who can’t, well share with others!  Check out these beautiful examples of textile art!

    Structures #72 by Lisa Call
    Cleveland Foreclosure Quilt by Kathryn Clark
    Ada Quilt by Meg Callahan
    Prairie/Wall I by Sue Benner

    Lisa Call | Kathryn Clark | Meg Callahan | Sue Benner

    Be sure to check out these artists’ websites, linked above for more of their amazing work.  Happy weekend!

    All images are via the artists’ websites, linked above.

  • Quilts Are Cool: Amy Vigilante

    Quilts Are Cool: Amy Vigilante

    Maybe you beg to differ with that title.  But I’m here to present to you Gainesville, FL artist Amy Vigilante, who does indeed create artistically meaningful, strikingly graphic quilts.  These aren’t your grandma’s bedspreads.  Vigilante’s quilts are modern interpretations of an old world craft.

    May May, fabrics and thread, 58×53
    May May ( back ), fabrics and thread, 58×53

    Make no mistake, these aren’t quilts to cuddle up in on the sofa.  These are intricate works of textile art.  As is my usual m.o., I find the backs just as wonderful and interesting as the fronts.. ( see the pair above & below ).

    Sushi, fabric, found objects and thread, 54×51
    Sushi ( back ), fabric, found objects and thread, 54×51

    Vigilante’s Garment Series includes works constructed using found female garments such as lingerie and swimsuits.  This series seems to perhaps speak to the common female obsession with fashion, “heirlooms” of our past and domesticity mixed with sexuality.

    More striking for me, however, are her more geometric works.  These have a tremendous sense of composition and movement.

    Zoe, hand-printed fabrics and thread, 91×82
    Yogi, fabrics and thread, 90×83

    Please visit Amy Vigilante’s website to see more of her work.  If you’re in the North Florida area, her work will be on display as part of the A Woman’s World show, opening this Thursday 12/17, presented by C Gallery at Daryl Bunn Studios.  This show is a mix of some spectacularly talented established and emerging artists.  Not to be missed!

    Featured image is Frida ( back ), fabric, found objects and thread, 52×49.  All images are via the artist’s website.