Consider this one way to advance your art,the art critique. Do you feel tnat you have reached a certain level? Feeling comfortable with your skill level? Having your art work critiqued can be a powerful experience. One needs to be confident enough in themselves and their work to explain their process, inspiration or project clearly. Furthermore,one must be open to listening to suggestions and new ideas.
At first glance the words, art critique sounds like criticize. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The art critique looks for the strengths of a piece and ways in which the artist may improve their piece and/or their technique. It can be a learning process for all involved. Providing guidelines or a structure for participants helps everyone to understand the process.It can be a valuable learning experience for all participants.Most importantly, the art critique should give the artist a way forward . What is the artist’s plan for further development for the future?
There are many online resources for critiques. A critique should be more than just ” I like this” or “I don’t like that.” Probing questions that require deep thinking on the artist’s part about one ‘s choices is more helpful. This is the hard part for participants. Each must be prepared to participate is a meaningful way. Moreover, this can take practice, Repeated opportunities to discuss one’s art work and critique the work of others in this way help.
Furthermore,knowing the art critique process beforehand helps everyone to be able to participate on some level. Ideally, as artists we will internalize the questions so that we will ask ourselves these deep questions while we are in the process of creating our future pieces.
Suggested Norms of a Critique
All participants are familiar with the process before beginning. Ideally they will be able to read the procedure well in advance.
All participants will develop a probing question of interest to them.
All participants will actively join in.
A non threatening environment is essential. Focus on the process not the individual artist.
Practice the procedure many times. With ongoing critiques rotating so that each artist will have their work viewed and discussed.
A wide range of art levels experiences is valued.
A Coaching Organization
Attending a meeting of the Artists Conference Network was a powerful and inspiring experience for me. This national organization has a well developed program and coaching structure. Each artist designs their own plan including timeline. Therein lies the power; the artist is in control of their own path. However, the time committment is substantial. I attended with a friend hoping to start a local group. Unfortunately, a local group wasn’t formed.
Artists Conference Network https://artistconference.com/ outlines the art critique process. The following is from their website. The Artist Conference is a network of local communities of artists trained in the coaching structure. They coach each other weekly towards their goals and share their creative work at meetings every two to three weeks. The structure is equally effective for amateurs and professionals, and the communities welcome anyone working in any creative field of endeavor, even if you don’t call yourself an “artist”. Check out their website for a group near you.
One Critique
Several years ago I volunteered to get my work critiqued at a regional SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates http://www.saqa.com/ ) meeting. This proved a new experience for me. We met in Oakland, California about 75 miles from my home in the beautiful studio of one of our members. A meeting full of friendly faces and a wide range of skill sets was a perfect spot for the art critique to take place. However, it was a one time event.
Another Critique
Another experience I had with critiques was with a small fiber group I was a member of. It was helpful that we met regularly and were comfortable with each other. We formed our group with the idea of celebrating fiber in many of its wonderful forms. However,our artistic experiences were very different. Our lack of experience in the process of each others’ work hindered our ability to contribute to the art critique on a highly skilled level.
Both of the critiques I participated in would have benefited from a clear format to follow. Repeated practice with the critique process makes for a positive experience for all.
I am a know nothing marketeer. I have no degree in marketing or business. However, like most of us, I have been bombarded with advertising for my whole life. It is hard to not form some opinions about the best and worst way to sell something. Pay attention to ads made by the experts. You may learn how to avoid making marketing mistakes. On the other hand, there are lots of suggestions on the internet to study.
We are our Own Marketeers with Social Media.
Social media has leveled the playing field for getting the word out about our products. In many cases,we are now all our own marketeers. With social media we often create our own posts or ads. First of all, remember to include the 5 Ws- who, what, where, when, why. I am surprised to see that often one of the 5 Ws is left out.Of course, include a photo or a video of your product or of you making your product.
With social media we can connect with people all over the world. That is a good thing. The downside is people forget the reach of social media. A post for an event may fail to include all pertinent information about the location. They may use initials for the venue that others don’t know outside of the local area. Numerous times I would love to attend an event only to search and find out that the location is very far away. Posting is still fine even if a person is outside of the area just take the time to use a full title of the venue, location, and time.
Product Information
The information about your product may be obvious to you because you created it or do it al the time. However, it may not be obvious to someone else. Pretend that you are talking to someone who knows nothing about what you do. Tell them in simple language what you make and how you make it. Figuring out what a visitor to your studio might not know takes practice. Listening to what visitors say and ask will help over time. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, words and explanations are still important to include. Avoid the marketing mistake of not explaining your product.
Kiwi, 24″ x 22″61 x 56cm I usually explain that this is a fabric wall hanging. It comes with a handsewn sleeve or fabric tube with a dowel and fishing line. The art quilt easily hangs on a push pin or nail. Process- I use my design wall to create abstract pieces. I decide on a color wave. I lay the fabrics on the flannel wall where to stick. Then I move them around until I am satisfied with how they look. Then I begin to sew them together. Finally, I quilt the three layers;top,batting and backing together.
Reminder Posts
Another thing this know nothing marketeer has noticed is the last minute timing of a reminder post. The time someone publishes a post, it is not the same time that one reads the post. It may be a day or two later. I see reminder posts that say “Happening Tomorrow!” Which tomorrow? What is the date? Maybe the date has even passed by the time the person is reading the post. Is it just me or are you also frustrated when all of the information is not included? Avoid the marketing mistake by writing a clear,complete post. It is easy to be rushed on social media and post something right away. I remind myself to slow down and make sure all of the important info is there. Above all,I am grateful for the edit buttons as well.
Explain What your Product is
Another no brainer- Describe what your new product is. What is it used for? How is it used? If it is a food product, what are the ingredients? Food trucks are currently all the rage. Each unique food truck tries to stand out. That is what a local South American food truck recently tried to do. They advertised that their item was not a taco. Okay, but the ad never says what the item is. Not everyone will know what it is. I saw the ad for weeks on Instagram. I kept waiting for them to say at some point what their food item was. However,they never answered the question. Be clear about what you are marketing. Marketing can be expensive. However, with social media each of us can become our own marketeer. Avoid this marketing mistake by being clear about what you are marketing.
No doubt the plan was to entice people to ask,What is the food item if it is not a taco?” But most people have no time or interest to do that. I am still waiting for the answer.These ads were produced by people who are supposed to know what they are doing. In addition, these ads are not cheap. I would expect more from my money.These are just my know nothing observations.
Make it Clear what You are Selling.
I make art quilts. Not everyone knows what an art quilt is.First of all,the public may think of a bed quilt that their grandmother made. That is a great starting point for the conversation. Yet, remember to explain what an art quilt is. Art quilts are a new art form of wall art made with fabric and often using quilting techniques.However, artist have a wide variety of techniques and styles to choose from. Be clear about what you are making and marketing.
Cross Country Travel
When traveling across the country,I noticed fairly large stores that only have their name on their store front. Maybe the locals know what they sell but people from out of the area are clueless. Is the product food or clothing or something else? From the street,strangers don’t know what they sell or sometimes can’t even see what they sell. We pulled up to several large storefronts looking for a grocery store. Yet, they turned out to be a sporting goods stores. Be clear to avoid marketing mistakes about what you are selling.
A Poor Radio Ad
Advertisising is expensive. Make sure you are getting something for your money. I heard a radio ad that only used the name of the product. I didn’t know what this product was. The ad repeated numerous times, not 10% not 20% but 50 % discount. A great discount but on what? What is the product? What does it do? Be clear about what you are marketing. New customers need to know what the product is and what it does. Isn’t that what an ad is for. Learn from the mistakes of others.
Choosing a Name
I chose the name for my online shop totally by accident. No forethought whatsoever went into the naming of my business. When the opportunity arose, I just choose my name, Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts. It turned out to be a good choice. Luckily, my name begins the alphabet. I have noticed that this helps when artists are listed in alphabetical order. Sometimes unintended consequences work out well.
In some cases using one’s own names for their business may be a good decision. I have several artist friends who worked hard to choose a unique name for their business or website. This name is special to them. However,it is difficult for me to remember that special name when I want to reach out to them or share their info. Sometimes simple is best at times in my opinion. That said, using one’s personal name for a business may not always be the best choice.
Social Media has turned many of us into marketeers. Marketing for an artist can be scary. Explaining one’s process and product is part of what makes an artist successful. Most importantly, include the important information when posting on social media. Remember the wide reach of the internet when posting. Proofread and check that all of the important information is included. These are just a few ways to avoid making marketing mistakes. I need to remember these suggestions as much as the next person. Most importantly, I love the edit button.
Solving little art quilting problems are different from the fixing bed quilts issues. One does not have to match seams like when making traditional quilts. If I have an error I can just cut it off with my rotary blade rather than ripping out seams. I still use my seam ripper but just not as much. This is not to say that issues don’t come up. They are just different issues. Some of these solutions apply to sewing in general as well as art quilting.
Solve Basic Sewing Problem
Anticipating Issues with Good Habits
Some suggestions to solve little art quilting problems begin with good habits. Of course the best way to fix problems is to anticipate them before they happen. Always make sure your fabric edge is straight. It might look straight but line up the plastic cutting ruler edge anyway. Make sure the fabric edge is straight. Even fabric straight from a shop might not be cut straight. Advice from construction workers, Measure twice to cut once.
Keep your machine free of dust.
Use a pipe cleaner to keep your machine’s mechanism free of dust. Look for holes in the machine for the pipe cleaner to enter safely.Remove dust carefully. Be careful not to disrupt interior settings. Vacuum the interior monthly if you sew a lot. It is amazing how much lint thread may shed. Remove lint from between the grooves of your feed dogs. I have been known to remove the lint with a large pin. A clean machine makes perfect stitches. Once I took my Husquvarna Lily into the shop because the zigzag stitch wasn’t working. The stitch was fine but my machine was full of lint underneath.
Watch your Speed.
Aim to maintain the same speed as you sew. The speed of throttle affects your stitches. Going fast and then slow can create inconsistent stitches. Attempt to keep a steady speed when stitching. Listen to your machine. It will tell you when your speed is changing. Especially on mindless tasks, we tend to daydream and not pay attention to the speed that we are pushing on the pedal or throttle.
Trouble Threading the Needle
If you are having trouble seeing to thread the needle on the machine,here is an easy fix. Get a white piece of paper. Double thickness or paper that is a bit stiff helps. Place it behind the needle and hold it there while threading the needle. The white makes a clearer background to see the needle’s hole. Other tips-Please wear your glasses. Trim the edge of thread before threading. Wet the end of the thread with saliva so the end isn’t frayed. I personally have not had luck with needle threaders. Maybe they will work for you.
Thread Trimming
Did you know that you can use 1 side of the scissors to trim a thread,sort of like a knife. This especially is helpful when the thread is coming out of the fabric.Trim as close as you can to the fabric with just one blade of the scissors. If you trim normally with the 2 points of the scissors coming together, one can accidently snip the fabric. This small nip in the fabric is difficult to fix. Some of us learn things the hard way.
Some Suggestions to Solve Little Art Quilting Problems.
Tucks to the Rescue
Tucks to the rescue. Sometimes a piece of fabric is just a bit too big for where it needs to fit. Yes, you could just cut off a piece of the fabric. But why not try to turn a problem into a solution. Create more texture for your art quilt by making one or more tucks . This may be useful when one is working within a particular size requirement. Tucks can be different sizes. They can be sewn close to the edge of fold or 1/4th inch (1cm) or farther away. Make a tuck or two that runs the whole length of the piece of fabric. I discovered the power of tucks when the slightest bit of extra fabric was too much.
Use the Crease or Fold to your Creative Advantage.
I often repurpose materials. Sometimes a piece of fabric comes with a crease or fold. It can be difficult to remove the crease even after using spray starch. Try this solution. Use the crease or fold to your advantage. Create a tuck or several rows of tucks. Sew the stitching line as close as you can to the edge of the fold. Problem solved. While creating an original art quilt, use the fold to your advantage. A series of folds can be moved to one side or the other to create movement as well as texture.
A series of tucks create texture and movement.A strip of fabric with a hard to get rid of creaseSew a tuck to remove a crease
A variation- Sew several lines of folds. Remember the rule of three or odd numbers. You may sew the tucks 1/4″ (1 cm) away from the fold. To create movement and texture, iron the segments of the tucks in different directions.
Solve little Art Quilting Problems by Thinking Before you Cut
Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm
Think how can I save time or effort while cutting this fabric. I add a lot of foliage to my nature art quilt pieces. I started out cutting individual pieces. By accident I discovered that while cutting one piece, I could create a second piece that would be a mirror image. Less fabric would be lost. Just don’t cut all of the way through to the far end. Stop at the top of what you are cutting. Turn the fabric around and continue down the other side instead of cutting all of the way to the opposite side. Not difficult do if you stop and think before cutting. Just another way to solve little art quilting problem.
Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm
This technique could create mountains, foliage or another running pattern.
Sea Canyon Depths, 40″ x 17″ 102cm x 44cm An underwater work in progress
Sometimes experienced quilters forget about all of the little tips that they have learned along the way. I try and point a few hints here that I have learned.These are just a few of different technical problems or creative issues one might encounter.
More that once people have visited my studio and commented “You are so brave.” “What? Why?I am brave to do my art? What do they mean? “First of all, being brave is taking action even though one is scared or afraid. On the other hand,being a brave artist is discovering one’s artistic strengths, developing them, and staying true to them. That I have tried to do. As with many things, it is a work in progress.
Am a brave person?
Ultimately, I don’t feel brave in my day-to-day life. Following rules on the road keep us safe. I don’t want to get caught doing something that I am not supposed to do or that I would not be proud of. I follow the rules. For this reason, I don’t consider myself brave. There are real things in this world to be afraid of. I know that. On the other hand, some things are easy for me that I know others struggle with. Talking with the public is easy for me. As a retired school teacher, I am used to speaking to many unusual types of people.
Doing my Art is not Scary.
Blowing glass at temperatures of 3000 degrees is scary. But sewing and playing with fabric is not. When making art quilts, I have no problem taking chances. I am doing what I want. For me,being a brave artist is easy. My three portfolios that I must make are Mexican inspired, abstracts and nature art quilts. My pieces do not always look similar. After all, what fun would that be?
My small studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center has three walls to display my art, a design wall, a design table and a table with my sewing machine on it. I can work here and yet open my doors to the public for First Fridays and Open Studios. A fortunate possibility,yes. I am not sure how that makes me brave. Maybe trying new fabrics styles and techniques in bright colors makes me brave.
Creating involves Pain.
Have you ever noticed that creating art involves pain or an uneasiness? When I first begin a project but I do not yet have a clear idea of the direction the piece will take, is when I feel pain or an uneasiness in the pit of my stomach. Once I have a clearer idea of the direction my piece will take the anxiety goes away. However, that is different from fear.
A brave artist pushes through and doesn’t let the anxiety stop them. In that case, then I am brave. Gathering my experience in making traditional bed quilts and then switching gears to art quilts just felt right. I do take chances with fabric and design. I forge ahead without much thought. When I am starting a piece, I don’t worry too much about my choices. If I make a mistake, I can always make another piece. Then I will own the fact that I am a brave art quilter.
A Good Sense of Color
Visitors to my studio have told me that I have a good sense of color. This comment always takes me by surprise. Where does this skill come from? I have never studied art or the color wheel. On the other hand, I did start sewing my own clothes in high school a long time ago. I remember designing and planning out my outfits. I paid attention to the variety of colors and textures in my wardrobe. Doesn’t every teenage girl do that? I assumed so.
So fast forward. . .decades ahead I fall into art quilting after making bed quilts for many years. I realize that without knowing it I had been trying out colors my whole life. For part of my 36 years as an elementary school teacher, I taught at an arts infused school. I did receive a wide variety of training in the arts including drama and dance. When guest artists taught my class in sketching or drawing, I took part so that I could repeat their lesson in the following years. But no work foccussed specifically on color.
Trying is the first step to being a brave artist.
Recently an acquaintance mentioned that she wanted to start sketching, yet she was afraid to. Afraid of what? It is a passtime activity. Sketching is not something to be afraid of. It is supposed to be fun and engaging. Give it a try. Become a brave artist.
Why am I not afraid?
I asked myself why am I not afraid.One reason is the familiarity with my materials. Having used fabric for so long, it is second nature to me. Quilting is the thing that I have to do. I will do it even when it has become boring or I have done it all day. It is part of who I am and what makes me me.I am not afraid of being myself.
Homage to a Dancer,45″ x 56″ 115 x 142cm
Fusing Two Passions
As I moved into art quilting I looked to fuse two of my lifetime passions, dancing and sewing. Sewing clothes since high school, I had made over 300 bed quilts. In addition, I had performed with a local Mexican folk dance group. My passion led me to direct my school’s annual Cinco de Mayo Dance Presentation. My students learned dances . I sewed costumes. My goal was to make something that combined my sewing skills with the movement and bright colors of a Jalisco dance skirt.
First of all a lot of thought went into it before I even started because I wasn’t sure how to accomplish this. The Jalisco skirt was the easy part. I had made the braid to wear when I performed. The plastic bag was from a trip to Mexico. On the other hand, what would the background be? The 3D dancing outfit was sewn onto a contrasting background of traditional 2″ green squares. I was extremely passionate about presenting this piece. It meant a lot to me. Furthermore,I liked it so much I made another 3D quilt with a blue background.
Market Day, 40″ x 51″102 x 130 cm
Is this Art?
Back in 2009,I entered these two pieces into major art quilt show. I was being a brave artist putting myself out there for the first time. When they were not accepted, I thought that maybe they weren’t art. As I have gained more insight into the jurying process, thanks to SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates), I realized that; the curator works to create a unified vision of a show. My wonderful art pieces do not fit easily with others.Disappointed but not deterred. I kept creating art. I liked trying out different materials and styles to see how they played together.
Furthermore,sometimes what people say says the most about themselves. They are not brave to try something new. It is hard for them to try and create something new.
Over all,to me being brave is taking action even though one is scared or afraid. Creating frees me. It is something that I have to do. I keep going although not everyone around me understood my passion. Maybe being a brave artist is to continue to work without encouragement trying new styles, fabrics and techniques. Being a brave artist is staying true to yourself and your artist vision of the world. In that way it takes bravery to be an artist.
A winter storm is hitting the central coast of California on a day I had planned to create new work. Furthermore,I prefer to choose my colors and fabrics when my studio has natural light comes through the ceiling level windows of my studio. I am ready to go but the natural light is not so bright. By all means,make art in a less than perfect situation
In the Shadow of the Mountain, art quilt , 25″ x 20″ 51 x 64 cm
Therefore, I forge ahead. Throwing caution to the wind I begin. I tell myself that I will not finalize anything until the light is brighter. Yet I feel more free to not worry or stress, always a good way to create. This piece is not headed to a museum or even for a show. Just something fun to work on or play with. Be brave. Make art in a less than perfect situation.
The winter storms continued as I gave myself permission to choose colors in a less than perfect situation. In reality things aren’t too bad. I have heat and electricity. I have materials to make art. Motivated? Yes. I am just lacking as much light as I would like. I work in the brightest spot in my studio which happens to be on my ironing board. Throw caution to the wind and choose colors. It might not be what you planned but do your best anyway.
The Cove, 8″ x 8″ 20 x 20 cm
Turn it into a Learning Opportunity.
Most importantly,I notice that some color choices are less forgiving than others. Certain lime greens have to work perfectly with other greens to be included. Certain reds need to play together well also. I could avoid these colors and just play it safe. But what fun would that be? I decide that deep reds will be okay to work with.
On the one hand,some of my favorite pieces are hills with trees. Yet, I had never felt successful doing mountains. This day layers of mountains glide into one another filling the landscape with a variety of bright and muted colors. I don’t work from photographs. To be honest, it took me many years for my inspiration of the mountains surrounding La Quinta, southeast of Palm Springs, California to fall into place. Familar sheers as well Guatemalan woven fabrics filled my comfort zone yet were used in a new way.
Before I knew it I was off, creating layers of mountains criss crossing one another. Continuing to make art in a less than perfect situation propelled me in a new direction. Incorporating sheers for reflecting lights and using my Mayan fabrics in a new way held my interest through several art quilts.
Southwest Mountains, 24′ x 24″ 61 x 61cmShiny Mountain, 24″ x 24″ 61 x 61 cm
Sometimes working in a less than optimal situation is necessary. This forces one to address new ways to solve solutions. Furthermore, it can become a learning experience. Do not wait until the “perfect” situation arises to create art. Create where ever and whenever you are. The best artists remain resilient.
http://www.saqa.com/ Studiio Art Quilt Associates- International art quilters organization
What do you call these animals? I call them sowbugs.
How sow bugs taught me to be persistent in art. Sow bugs, pill bugs,rolypollys, or maybe you use another name are a common garden inhabitant. Surprisingly these bugs are crustaceans not insects.Sow bugs are more closely related to shrimp and crayfish than to insects. Nonetheless, by observation, sow bugs taught me to be persistent in art.
Several decades ago my husband and I bought an old farmhouse. We gutted the interior before adding new drywall and a new interior. Part of the process involved knocking down an old brick chimney. In reality the chimney didn’t seem to be of much use. We did save and reuse the bricks. My unskilled labor was put to use separating the bricks from the crumbling cement and stacking them for later use.This of course took numerous days of labor.
Sow bugs taught me how to be persistent in art.
As I separated the dirt and the bricks, the sowbugs appeared. At first, as I dug out the bricks, I didn’t pay much attention to them. I kept working, separating the bricks, removing the dirt and stacking bricks. I started to notice their behavior.If dirt from a shovel landed on the sow bugs,they dug themselves out and continued on their merry way like nothing had happened.They were not deterred. The bugs were persistent. I was amazed. If I had a load of dirt dumped on me, I would have to stop for at least a minute. The visual of the sow bugs continuing on stayed with me all of these years. They taught me to be persistent.
So Called Human Qualities
I have come to realise that many so called human qualities are rooted in our animal past. Compassion and love are not as unique to humans as previously thought. Science has shown animals to be generous and empathetic among other qualities. Persistence seems to be one of them.
An artist needs to be persistent. That just means that you keep going. Keep trying. Don’t get confused into thinking one needs to be annoying as in pestering. Putting oneself out in the world is not easy. One must not give up. Give yourself permission to take a break at times as needed. However,forge on no matter what dirt the world dumps on you. If the lowly sowbug can continue on, surely an artist can too.
Talking to the public about your art is important. However, it is not always an easy thing for artists to do. My home town has a vibrant art scene. Long before I had even considered becoming a quilt artist, I attended local art shows. Naturally, I was drawn to the fiber arts. During this time I had several experiences that informed my later experiences dealing with the public.
Talking to an Artist
At one art event the artist made beautiful artful jackets. I wanted to say something. Yet, I had no idea what to say. I just admired her work. Perhaps I would just say,” Hey,I sew too.” I had no clue as to what I expected her to say.
Knowing how to Engage the Public
Knowing how to engage the public can be difficult. I patiently waited while she spoke with someone else she seemed to know well. When their conversation was over, she turned and walked in the opposite direction from me. It was obvious that I had been waiting to talk to her. Much disappointment on my part. I don’t know what I expected but being left alone was not it. Instead of connecting with a fan, she literally turned her back on her public. Why did she do this? Was she shy? Possibly? or uncomfortable speaking to strangers? Not comfortable talking about her art? It is hard for me to know. It is likely one of these issues.
Another Fiber Artist
Another time a few years later, I spoke with a fiber artist. She cut up antique paper to create abstract art. Having viewed her art several times, I really liked it. The conversation went something like this. “I think you are my favorite artist.” Dead silence.I am not sure what I expected her to say. But what I didn’t expect was nothing. No response from the artist. Aren’t we generally taught to at least say thank you when someone gives one a compliment? It seems that she missed an opportunity to talk about her work. She could have asked me which was my favorite piece or maybe given me a sales pitch of some kind.
What I have Noticed as a Artist
Now that I am an artist, I am on the receiving side of comments. I have noticed that sometimes the public will make unusual comments. The public is not always sure of what to say. At times it comes out strange. Sadly, I can’t remember an example to share. Yet,I believe that people just want to make a connection with the artist.
Don’t get Waylaid by a Weird Comment
Rather getting stuck on responding to the weird comment, I usually just take it that the person wants to interact with the artist. So I reply with information about myself. For example, I talk about my three portfolios, how I got started in quilts and then switched to art quilts.This tactic has proven successful.
One Visitor’s Technique
Many visitors return each month on the First Fridays Art Tour.One such visitor to my studio always said “What is new? Show me your new work.” His young son came in alone while his father remained next door with another artist. The son also asked the same thing. They had a practiced system for engaging artists. Artists can develop a similar plan.
What I Learned
What I learned from these experiences. Obviously artists are all different individuals with unique personalities. Meeting the public is not easy for many.Talking about ourselves or our work is also something people are often not comfortable with. How to fix this situation?
Be Prepared.
Talking to the public and knowing what to say takes practice. Create a laser statement about your work. This is often called an elevator speech. Describe how you work in a few sentences. Practice so that you are comfortable with what you want to say. It could include a bit about your background, inspirations, art process or how long you have been doing art. Remember that you are basically inviting the public into your space. It is your job to make them feel comfortable. It is your party! Welcome your guests!
Be aware of how you are using the phrase, thank you. Thank you is often used in several different ways without us being aware of it. One way that we use it is to end a conversation or transaction. In the art world, we want to keep the conversation focussed on our art. After an artful compliment, follow up with your motivation or inspiration for the piece. Practice makes perfect. Pertaining to a sale, I was once advised to say,”Congratulations on purchasing a piece of art” rather than thank you. By using this phrase, the conversation is elevated for the better.
Treating people with respect is a definite. Respond as you would normally with a direct response. Speak to others as you would like to be spoken to. Relax, smile and do your best. It will get easier.
I recently sold a piece at a First Fridays event. The person loved the small Mexican inspired art quilt. As we finished the transaction, he specifically thanked me for explaining my work to him.
Build on Previous Successes
Often times artists enter the art world after success and experience in other fields. Many of the skills from other jobs transfer well to the second career as an artist. Written and oral communication skills,organizational skills, computer skills and cross job descriptions. Rely on those skills to build your confidence in your new career.
Be Intuitive.
Being intuitive when engaging the public can help you decide the direction of conversation. Recognize that all conversations will not result in a sale. Many people begin sharing about their family’s experience with quilts. If they have a family heirloom at home, will they want to buy another one from you? That is unlikely, in my opinion. Are they fellow quilters? Then they may be interested in your materials and what your process is. Are they beginning to move into the art realm? Maybe they would like to sign up for a class or mentoring.
Knowing when Not to Talk.
Knowing when not to talk to the public is important too. Picking up on little clues helps. Being in the moment helps. During one Open Studios event, a couple came in. They looked around a lot and seemed interested. I tried to engage them in conversation on several topics without much luck. They were not speaking much to each other either. I kept quiet. Later I realized that they were in disagreement as to which piece to buy. My discussion was getting in the way. They bought a large underwater fantasy. Yet, this couple did not desire a lot of interaction.
Get Help.
It is fairly difficult for all artists to possess the wide range of skills necessary for an art career. One should consider developing the skills that they lack. If that is not possible, then get help. If you find that it is just too much for you to interact with the public, find a friend or family member to help you. There is nothing like having someone else singing the praises of your work or what you have accomplished. Especially if they do it in a professional way.
Ways to engage the public.
Disclaimer- I am not an expert on communications. There are many great articles on the internet on this topic. That said my first career as a teacher required me to speak to awide range of people.
Dress the Part.
I like to dress the part something on the artistic side that might identify me as the artist. Before I even say anything, they know that they are in my space. This is time to put on your professional hat. I wouldn’t wear a paint splattered shirt. But that is me. If you are showing your work in the hopes of selling it, then it is the time to show your professional side.
Greet People
Greet people. Make them welcome in your space. Let them know that you are the artist. During First Fridays I display my art in the lobby of the Art Center. My studio is a small area in an unusual corner that is not always obvious. So I point out where my studio is. I bring out my work for First Fridays Art Tour and our annual Open Studios. What is obvious to you may not be obvious to the first time visitor. Use a simple explanation of your situation or layout to engage them.
Practice makes perfect. Think ahead of time of certain information that you would like to share with the public. How long you have been working on your craft? What is your process like? Where do you get your materials? What are you inspired by? Talk about your newest pieces.These are just examples. Speaking to strangers about your art does become easier with practice.
Artist made fabric business card about 3″ x 4″ 8 cm x 10 cm Artist made fabric business card about 3″ x 4″ 8 cm x 10 cm
Listening to what someone is saying is important. Each art show is an opportunity to learn and develop one’s skills. Keep an open mind. Every conversation is not about making a sale. Enjoy. Feel out the situation. Be authentic. Some people want to talk while others don’t. One has to be open to either situation.
Remember Maya Angelou’s quote,”I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Did the visitor feel welcome? Did the visitor learn something about your art? Talking to the public is what Open Studios is all about.
Issues I need to work on
Issues I need to work on while talking to the public.My town is on the tourist trail. I often ask where they are from. That is fine. My mistake is that I will talk about a trip I took to their area rather than drawing attention to my art or my process. Some topics are easier to talk about than myself and my art. I need to direct the conversation to my art and my process.
Engaging with a Fellow Fiber Artist
More recently I went to a local arts fair. I wanted to connect with a fellow fiber artist. He sold jackets with ethnic fabrics as I often used. Mentioning that I have made my own clothes and now I do art quilts. Furthermore I commented that I had just spoken with a fellow artist who was wearing a vest he had made. I was looking for an artist to artist conversation. But this fellow couldn’t switch gears. He kept showing me fabrics that he had available to make a jacket out of. Listening and switching gears can be hard.
The Story Continues
The story continues. A few months after our first encounter this artist came to my studio. I was in the middle of a project. Yet, he popped in and said, “I just wanted to say hi. Don’t want to interrupt. I am also a maker. ” Oh, what kind of a maker are you? As he spoke I realized that I had met him before at this studio. I told him this. I mentioned that I had read something about his work in the local press. His demeanor was quite different from our first meeting. We all have our bad nights. We all just need to do our best and be kind to one another. The important thing is to listen and learn from our experiences. My impression of him is totally different after our second encounter.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, thank you for letting me share some experiences that informed how I talk with the public. Be yourself. But make the people feel comfortable entering your special space. Knowing what to say to engage the public takes practice in order for it to become second nature. With time it should become easier. Enjoy the time sharing your art.
Just like everyone else new quilters make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the process of becoming a master quilter regardless if you are making art quilts or traditional quilts. Most of us are not proud of our earliest works. Yet, when an artist is accomplished, they make it look easy. The artists have practiced so much that it is hard to imagine that they ever made mistakes. Here is a review of several mistakes new quilters make.
Mistake #1-Poor Fabric Choices
Thinking one can make a quilt out of just any piece of fabric that they have. Yes, people make quilts out of used clothes or fabric that they have. But for a successful piece, their choices are based on their knowledge and their experience with that fabric. Plus if there is a problem then an experienced sewer or quilter will have an idea about how to fix the problem.
There is a reason that commercially available clothing patterns list the types of fabric that would work best. New quilters can stick with 100% cotton for the most success.
Another Mistake New Quilters Make
An acquaintance with limited sewing experience wanted to make a baby quilt to give to a friend. She choose to use soft and stretchy fabrics that she had left over from other projects. Soft and stretchy materials are difficult to work with.
On the other hand, parents are rightly concerned about what will touch their baby’s skin. One hundred per cent cotton fabric is safe and the most comfortable for a baby. On the other hand, soft minky fabric is nice for a backing.
Mistake #2-Washability and Care of the Quilt
Cotton fabric that is 100% cotton is easily washed. My inexperienced friend chose a dark multicolored patterned fabric for the baby quilt. Of course,patterns and styles of choice change. However,most new families want a light colored quilt. They are also concerned about washability.The color choices for this baby quilt were dark. In my opinion, the colors didn’t even coordinate well. In addition, most parents would prefer new materials to be used with an infant.
Mistake #3-Lack of experience with a sewing machine
In my opinion, the major sewing machine brands are of good quality. Even older and more older machines work well. That said when I bought my Lily Husquavarna over 20 years ago, a particular brand of thread was recommended to use with the machine. Quite by accident, I learned that other brands actually had better results. People swear by their Bernina machines yet I read that they can be fussy about the correct needle being used for the type of project. Learning the quirks of one’s machine is part of the learning process.
Mistake #4 Lack of Process Planning
Creating an art piece takes a loose plan. One needs to have an idea of what part needs to be completed before another part. Often an inexperienced art quilter will create a beautiful part without an idea of how to mount or display it. For example, an intricite portrait will be created, Yet,the artist will then not know what they need to do next. How should it be displayed? What fabric would highlight the work?
Similarly, at the beginning of her art career,a very talented fiber artist would make nature inspired 3D works. She wanted them to be free standing. Yet, she made them without planning for the structure that would allow them to be free standing. As I tried mixed media and assemblage,I remembered that lesson. Consider the final structure first. How will it hang? How will it stand up?
Mistake #5-Poor Color Choices
Quite a few years ago, a friend asked me to make a baby quilt for a relative. We went to the fabric store together to choose some fabrics. These are the green and blue fabrics she chose. While each fabric has its merits individually, I would never have chosen them to be the only fabrics in a quilt. As it was an early commission for me, I didn’t feel at the time that I should say anything. However, this poor color choice stayed with me for a long time.Needlessto say, I have developed my artist’s voice over the years. I would definitely express my opinion if this happened again. It pushed me to rethink and validate my experience in choosing colors.
Two fabrics,blue floral and green
A friend mentioned to me today that her sister made a quilt for her.They had lots of blocks with hand embroidery added. The friend didn’t really like the quilt. Her sister said she didn’t have to keep it if she didn’t like it. The friend wasn’t sure what to do. She mentioned that her sister’s quilting skills were not so good. The sister mainly made quilts for the family. When I finally saw a photo of the friends’s quilt, I had to admit that it had some charm. Maybe not totally to my friend’s taste but still charming in its own right.
Nonetheless,this reminded me of the steps that people go through before they attain mastery. Lots of mistakes are made along the pathway to excellence. However, when someone looks at a quilter’s successful piece, the failures are not visible.
In Conclusion
My intent is not to criticize or shame someone’s efforts. We all start somewhere. However,I want to acknowledge the effort and experience that goes into the long path towards the mastery of skills. Our passion pushes us to continue to learn from the mistakes that new quilters make.
I create wall art with fabric. They may be abstract, landscapes or seascapes. I have been doing this for over 10 years. Yet why is it so difficult to call myself an artist. It becomes easier when I am writing it on a show application.Why don’t I feel eel good about calling myself an artist?
What is the image of being an artist? The label artist comes with many postive and negative expectations. On the positive side, artists are flamboyant. They do the unexpected. Following society’s rules are not for them. One might say that they were the first rock stars. This lifestyle can be attractive to some.
For example, Big Eyes, the 2014 movie was about a man who was in love with the image of being an artist. He preferred the idea of being an artist rather than actually creating art. He also found that it was an easy way to con people too.
However, these are not the reasons that I make art. I make art because I have to. My one artistic skill is working with fabric and yarn. I know how to sew and quilt. Drawing and painting are not my strengths.
Between Showers 25″ x 20″ 63cm x 51cm
A Negative Stereotype
On the negative side, the general impression of artists is that they are moody and difficult to get along with.Their spontaneity makes them completely unpredictable. Their lives are disorganized to the point of total confusion. I ran into former colleague who used to paint. I asked her if she was still painting. She said, “No. I am happy now. Only unhappy tormented people paint.” Sadly, this person had something to give the world as a painter. Hopefully, this stereotype is changing. While society needs artists, artists also need to people that are approachable and reasonable to work with.
The Pressure
After college graduation when I was beginning to make my way in the world, I would tell people. I am a writer. When they asked what do you write? We would answer, I write checks. Somehow this deflected the weight of trying to live up to an image and responsibility of being a producing writer.
Furthermore the same pressure weighs on artist’s too. If I call myself an artist then I must be making art. I must be putting on shows. Art should be flying out the window. It should be my full time job.
People with art degrees feel even more pressure. They studied and worked hard to learn about art. However, a common complaint is that the schools teach them to make art. But they don’t teach them how to take their art to the next level and to sell their art. This pressure weighs heavy on some people.
In spite of these stereotypes, all humans can and need to create beauty. We do it in different ways. Cooking food, gardening dressing and decorating our houses. and in many ways.
Light in the Forest 42″ x 40″ 106cm x 102cm
Growing into a new Profession
It takes a while to grow in to any new profession. We work hard to get qualified. Then we try and find a position in our field. Yet it often takes time before we feel the title fits who we are.. Who truly felt comfortable their first year or years in a new position? Looking back probably not many of us. With my first born I felt like a mother for the first time not when she was born. It was weeks later when I was able to calm her down when she was fussing in her crib. We need to give ourselves time to grow into our new positions. Adding layers of expectations and stress is not helpful. Now after 10 years saying that I am an artist is becoming easier.
Here are some examples where good advice went bad. Or in other words the advice did not work out for me.
Anna’s Irish Tulips, a king sized bed quilt
Several years ago I completed that queen sized bed quilt. Charming tulips with leaves popping out from the sides alternated plain cream colored blocks. In the empty blocks I hand quilted flowers. I made a scalloped hem knowing that this would truly be a family heirloom. Needlessto say, I was extremely proud of my work. After all,I had been quilting for years. This was the culmination of all my work.
Good Advice Gone Bad
While I was proud of my work, the appraiser gave the quilt a very low appraisal for a queen size bed quilt with some handstitching. In 2005, $350 was a low appraisal. Disappointment reigned. Yet over the years, what a lot of money I saved. I have a large inventory. What if I had had all of them appraised?
Forest Fires of 2020
Most importantly, our county did suffer horrible forest fires in 2020. Many people did lose their homes. Our home was close to the fires. No mandatory evacuation was ordered. Nevertheless I self evacuated myself to a friend’s house in south county for four days. I moved precious items to my studio downtown where they would be safe. None of them were quilts. Some of my quilts were already in my studio.
A few years ago I began to have success. Consequently, I wanted my quilts to be photographed professionally. So I asked a well known quilt artist for a local recommendation. She told of a man who had photographed quilts for a museum. Meanwhile,I called him up. His prices were based on the size of the quilt. They were in my price range. Therefore, I made an appointment to drop the quilts off at his studio 25 miles away.
As it turned out, the photographs were terrible. The colors were not even correct. Isn’t that our least requirement that the colors to be right? So I took my own photos. The results satisfied me.
What did I learn? Of course,each person may come to their own conclusions. My thoughts are to trust myself. Furthermore,digital cameras have improved so much in recent years. Therefore, I can take my own photos. First of all, I am proud of the family heirloom that I created. Above all,listen to yourself. Believe in yourself. Keep going. Do not be deterred by negative comments. Most importantly, it is what happens to you but how you react to it.
How do you develop your art passion? Recently on two separate occasions I was explaining my art to another person. They both lamented that they couldn’t sew. Sewing was so hard. Yet,one person was definitely of the age of a person who had to take sewing at school. The other one was was much younger. However, she also mentioned that sewing was an impossibly hard task to do.
Where does One’s passion start?
As mentioned I can’t pinpoint when my passion for sewing started. No, my mother was not a strong seamstress. No, my grandparents were not nearby to teach me nor did they sew. Yet, I do remember begging my mother to sign me up for sewing lessons the summer after sixth grade. I don’t remember begging my parents for anything else. Okay, I did write a persuasive argument for why I needed to have a car. Does that even count? My begging usually focussed on not having to do something. I have a vague memory of trying to get out of a piano recital that I hadn’t practiced for. Music is not a strong point of mine.
My First Sewing Classes
So my mother signed me up to take sewing classes at the local Singer Sewing Store downtown. The classes were a disaster.The teacher expected to help ladies finish their projects. Her expertice did not involve teaching the basics to twelve year olds. How to do lay out a pattern on fabric and cut it out was not in her plan. Public school teachers to the rescue! Luckily, 8th grade sewing did just that. I was on my way. Little did I know that it would develop into a lifelong passion.
Developing an Art Passion
This was the late 1960s. Girls and women were still expected to know how to sew. Yet, my older sister didn’t like it. She said she didn’t have the patience. Did I think that I was a patient person? No. I liked fashion as much as any teenaged girl did. My outfits certainly didn’t push the fashion envelope. I was not an avant garde dresser.
Developing a Skill Set
But without knowing it, I was developing a skill set. I was learning about selecting fabrics. With practice,I learned what pattern envelopes said, what they meant, and what they didn’t say. Moreover, I developed opinions about what they should have said. I also knew I wanted to take an elective class of sewing in high school.I ended up taking the advanced class too. Who knows?Bound buttons may come back in style.
Imagine this top fluffy for the one I made
Back to the fuzzy yellow knitted top. I do remember planning my ensembles with texture and variations in mind. I studied my ensembles for high school. What combinations of outfits did I already have? What materials or colors were they in? How could I make something that would add a difference for my wardrobe? How could I add texture and interest to the clothes I wore?
Inspired by a Tam and Scarf
Yet at this point,sewing was my hobby. Graduating a four year college was my family’s expectation for me. I had no problems with that. I did get accepted to UC,Irvine, my first choice. My back up school was Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. SLO is famous for their home economics department. I often wonder how my life would have turned out differently if I had gone there. The closest thing to home economics at UC,Irvine was chemistry lab.
Schooling and Career
So I got a degree in History, worked on my Spanish, Master in Teaching and became an elementary school teacher. I worked passionately with second language learners for 36 years. No regrets.
Over the years I kept sewing. I made clothes for myself and my family. I learned to quilt and I kept quilting. Most of the quilts were for family members and donation quilts for charities. I learned different techniques like applique and paper piecing. I stopped counting my bed quilts at 300!
Poppin’ Back, 2021
Art Quilts
Much later I switched to art quilts. I have over 400 art quilts,large and small listed on my inventory. I learned different techniques including free motion quilting.I started entering juried art shows.Pieces sold. Practice makes perfect.Sometimes it feels good to realize that I actually know something and can comfortably do it. Do I still try new things? Yes.
Art in College
I took a year of studio art, drawing and painting in college. The teaching style in the late 1960s was totally hands off. The student was free to do their own thing. The teacher said in a positive comment that I did funny little pictures. Looking back, I realize part of my problem is that I didn’t practice. I didn’t put in the hours to become good at it. I didn’t have the passion to keep at it to develop my skills. Malcolm Gladwell https://www.gladwellbooks.com/in his book, Outliers said it takes10,000 times to get really good at something. That sounds like a lot unless one loves doing it, has fun and is passionate about continuing.
In Conclusion
Passion! Dedication! is the answer.So much so that you will choose to stick to something even when you get frustrated. Yet you keep going and over time you get better and better. Maybe you will even reach an advanced skill level. At age of ten, I knew, I wanted sewing lessons. I didn’t know why. I still don’t. But sewing and the related field of quilting has stayed with me pretty much my whole life. So much so that I can only laugh when some artist says how hard it is for them. Isn’t it great that we all have different skills and talents! Find your passion and stick to it.
Beginning steps to creating art suggests some new ways of thinking about making our world beautiful. Creating comes naturally to humans. We are innately artists. We try to make our world beautiful. Some of us draw; while some of us paint. Others create beautiful food and table settings for our loved ones to enjoy. Others create beauty in their gardens.
Unfortunately, many of us do not feel that we are artistic. I certainly didn’t for many years. Yet, each of us can create beauty in our unique way. Here are some suggestions for beginning steps to creating a more beautiful everything or whatever you choose.
Beginning Steps to Creating Beauty
Part of my career as an elementary school teacher was spent at an arts infused school. We brought in special artists to teach across the arts curriculum from drawing, painting to theatre and dance. I had been at this school before this program started.
When the program began, the whole school adjusted its focus. I witnessed sn incredible shift in students’ attitudes. We told the children that we are going to try and make all of our work beautiful. We would not criticize the work of others. Trying to do one’s best was the important part. The attitude of the whole school changed for the better. It was so powerful to witness that change.
Think Differently.
Looking outside the box. Many times it is our own perspective that keeps us from seeing things in a new way. Often we acquire materials or fabric with a particular idea in mind. Then it is difficult to get rid of that idea or to envision a new use for the item.
Do these look like coffee beans?
When I got this green fabric, it reminded me of coffee beans. That is the image that stuck in my head. I wasn’t sure how to use the fabric. It sat on the shelf for a long time. Then I began to think differently about it. How could I use it a different way? I decided to use the ovals as bit of motion in the truck of a tree. What little bits of color could I highlight to pull those colors to the forefront and diminish the greenish colors ? A peachy orange shade would do the trick. As my county recovered from the largest forest fire ever, my art quilts reflect that new growth.
Rebirth of a Forest,art quilt,29″ x 22″
Turn the Fabric Around
Another way to look at a piece of material or fabric in a new way, is to turn it around. If it has definitite figures on it ,what will they look like from another direction? New and unrecognizable is what I would be going for. When an abstract artist finishes a work, they often turn the art upside down and sideways to see if it might look better from a different angle. The original fabric for the trees and branches in Skyward was a black,white and gray fabric that had greyhound dogs on it. The movement of the fabric caught my eye before I noticed that there were actual dogs on it.
GreyhoundsSkyward, an art quilt
Imagining Shapes
While working on my nature quilts, I cut out shapes for trees, branches, fish, rocks, or waves. I look at the fabric to see if the shapes on the fabric tell me what it would like to be in my piece. Does a swervy line imply a wave? Maybe a mountrain will appear from the shapes on the fabric? If no shape strikes me on the fabric, then I create my own mountain or a river. The idea is not to find a piece of fabric that has a river on it. But to create a river from lines that the original fabric artist had not thought about..
Visualization
As I am creating, I try to visualize what the piece is lacking. What color or shape needs to be in a particular spot? This often guides me to a hue or textile choice. This is a newly acquired skill for me. I surprised myself when I realized visualization was happening. You can make it happen for you too.
Activities to Practice Beginning Steps to Creating
Here are a couple of powerful skills that can be practiced with no materials at all. Look at pieces of art in the real or virtual world. There certainly are many examples available on social media. Ask yourself, do you like this work? What do you like about it ? How would you make it better? If it were your piece to change, how would you modify it?
Keys to my Heart, 9″ x 7″
Another practice activity is to think of how many different non traditional ways an item could be used. I recently acquired a box of antique keys. I am venturing forward into assemblage, putting repurposed items together in unusual ways. What could the keys be used for? The possibilities are endless; a nose? hair? or other body parts or just purely decoration? While I searched the internet for inspiration, I came up empty. Left to my own devices,I have sprinkled this post with the ideas that I came up with.
Face with a Key Nose
In Conclusion
Start with baby steps. Create small bits beauty in your life. Practice helps. I took an assemblage class over two years ago. It took me this long for the ideas to perculate through my brain. Be kind to yourself during the learning process. Trying in the first step. There are no mistakes just whether you as the artist likes it or not. If not, modify it. Dip into your humanity and make the world more beautiful.
Be ready to present your Laser Statement to the world.
Being ready with a short laser statement about one’s passion or business is essential. By definition, random encounters can happen anyway and anytime. Such positive interactions keep life interesting. For many they can be a way to interact with the public in a new way.
A laser statement is a necessity for artists or others to quickly explain to a novice what they do. Art quilts are still a new art form that many are not familiar with. Each conversation is an opportunity to share and educate. I didn’t expect a conversation about fabric to occur while accessing tech support. But I was ready with a laser statement when that happened.
Anxiety
Calling the tech support is always caused anxiety for me. This is mainly because I am not very techie. I do maintain my own website. However, I am not always unsure of the words that describe what I do. Knowledge of the vocabulary aids communication about an issue. That is what I lacked.
But I learned through use. I actually feel better now that I understand what certain words (browser, domain name,modem) mean. I have learned a bit more about what they are talking about. In their defense, tech support is always polite and patient.
Lost in space, the way I feel when I call tech support.
Caught Off Guard
Coming from a position of anxiety, these conversations caught me off guard. Yet they left me pleasantly surprised. After my questions had been answered, the tech support engaged me in a conversation about my work. I am always ready to share my passion for fabric art. It paid off to be ready to present my laser statement to the world.
This first conversation began when the male support person mentioned that he sewed costumes. He had several questions about making them. He made the costumes for ComicCon which sounded appropriate for his age. We talked fabric. I mentioned that the shiny fabrics that the costumes were made out of were the most difficult fabrics to work with. I said that 100% cotton is the easiest to work with. He caught on quickly and said, ” I should start with cotton, then, to develop my skills.” I agreed. He appreciated my willingness to share my knowledge freely with him. I thoroughly enjoyed this unlikely conversation.
Rogue Wave, an abstract art quilt, a fav of one of my random encounters
Art Afficionatos are Everywhere
Another conversation took place when the male tech support person asked me what an art quilt was. I was ready to present my laser statement to the world. I explained simply that an art quilt uses traditional quilting techniques to make wall art. He shared that he was very interested in art and loved spending time in art galleries.
I often refer people to my website. But it stuck me as funny to say “Take a look at my website.” Because we had literally just been working on it. It is fun to share my work especially to the uninitiated. He was pleasantly surprised at what he saw. Feedback about his favorites was appreciated.
His favorite of my abstract pieces especially Rogue Wave convinced me that he was a true art fan. Hopefully, the art quilt world has a new convert. Maybe in the future he will be open to search out more art quilts and fiber art shows. There is much power in being ready to present your laser statement to the world.
Choosing a name for an art work is not an easy task. Yet, when the title of one’s art piece fits the work, it feels like pure genius.The title can capture the essence of the piece. What the artist wants to say or what the piece is about. I find it worth the effort. Yet, many times genius can elude us.
How To Name An Art Work
“Untitled- Number 325” The running joke of a prolific artist from a fiber group was just that. Untitled Number 325. That is how she answered when asked what the name of her latest piece was. She liked doing the work but not the naming part of it. So each piece was left unnamed.
On the other extreme,Brad Burkhart,a local clay sculptor created a lengthy group process to name a piece. He asks the group questions which lead to a consensus for the piece by consensus. He strongly supports and promotes this process. How to name an art piece can be a private or a public effort.
I Put on my Poetry Hat
Both of those processes feel unsatisfactory to me. I name my pieces by several different methods. My preferred method is to put on my poetry hat metaphorically. I try to think of an engaging title that adds to the viewer’s experience. What I was thinking about while making my art?
At times I think about what the piece looks like. People read all of my titles once they realize that they are engaging and interesting. Naming my art is an opportunity to share my creative vision and to engage with the audience. I don’t want to hand such an important element of my expression over to anyone else.
Here are some examples of my art and how and why they were so entitled.
What I Was Thinking About
Rogue Wave, an abstract art quilt, 36″ x 36″
A rogue wave or sneaker wave often hits the Central Coast of California in the winter. It is a large,strong, unexpected wave that can be very dangerous. While making this art quilt, warnings for rogue waves were being broadcast daily on the news. As my pieces included colors that reflected water and movement, I chose that title.
A Fitting Genre and Style
This art quilt is named Sherman Alexie Comes to Bookclub,
Sherman Alexie Comes to Bookclub is a modern piece inspired by the new membreño colors of black, white and rust. Mr. Alexie is a Native American author who writes about urban Indians. I thought that it was a good fit for this piece. Although it is a bit of an inside joke, if the audience doesn’t know Sherman Alexie .
Under the Savannah Shade using African fabrics, 36″ x 42″
Under the Savannah Shade is a bright abstract art quilt. The African fabrics in greens, oranges, and yellows reminded me of a hot summer’s day. Wouldn’t some shade be nice? The blue material provided that shade.
Descriptive Titles
When genius eludes us, a descriptive title will do. What do you see in the art piece? Does it remind you of something? What location is it inspired by?
Challenges
Under the Shady Tree,37″ x 25″Great Blue Heron at Dusk, 31″ x 25″Gridlock I, 33″ x 31″Gridlock II, 42″ x 36″
May I share some challenges to naming one’s art. Early in my art career, I named some pieces Gridlock I and Gridlock II. Gridlock II was juried into a “MAYHEM”show at the ARC Gallery in San Francisco. In spite of that honor, I couldn’t remember which piece was number I and which was number II. I decided to avoid numbering my art again. You may have a different opinion.
Naming a Series
Shore to Sky ZShore to Sky F
Yet, when I did a series of small abstract art quilts based on the colors of the sky meeting the land and water . I named them Shore to Sky A,B ,C through Z that presented no problems. Maybe the wider range of colors helped me differentiate the pieces better.
Conclusion
Part of being as artist is sharing one’s vision with the local community and the greater world. Naming one’s art can add to the presentation of our work. It is a personal statement. Do not miss this opportunity to connect with the public.
These are just some examples of how I named my art quilts. Were they helpful either directly or indirectly? Do you have some ideas of your own that you think worked well? Please share.
