The quilt world offers us almost unending possibilities of fabric inspired “blankets”. Often thought of as “homespun” or “crafty”, quilts represent a unique form of artistic expression grounded in the use of fibers that connected to the traditions of fine art, vernacular art and quiltmaking. Quilts broadly supports varied self-expression. Distinctions in how we think of quilts (for example, “traditional quilt” vs “art quilt” vs “modern quilt guild”) tend to overlook the qualities that are shared by all quilts (and quilters). In bearing the marks of their makers, quilts hold an honored place among America’s oldest craft traditions and art traditions, akin to the Arts and Crafts movement seen in 19th century American architecture.
1) Quilts are “crafted”.
Quiltmaking, like all crafts and all art, is literally handwork — that is, applying some kind of skill by hand in making decorative objects. Quiltmaking shares with the Arts and Crafts Movement (as seen in architecture and sculptural forms) and with Studio Crafts (as seen in pottery, weaving, glass blowing, metal work and the like) the sense of bringing to bear artistic practices to utilitarian objects. For quiltmaking, beauty emerges as we manipulating fibers in creating blankets and wall hangings.
Quiltmaking is part of the proud history of creating vernacular art and is a truly American art form. Well-made quilts reflect the creative skills of their makers and convey a sense of the time and effort that went into their making.
2) Quilts are community.
From the earliest traditions of quilting-bees to the wide variety of contemporary quilt groups that enrich our lives, quilts have always represented community. They reflect who we are and the times in which they were made. The provide connections to the past and to each other. They represent friendship and hope.
3) Quilts are authentic.
A quilt is an original reflection of the sensibilities, choices and skills of its maker. Yet all quilts, in one way or another, are rooted in the traditions of quiltmaking. These qualities of individuality and rootedness are part of all the quilts we make, whether for ourselves and for others. Quilts that truly reflect our values and who we are – whether we discover quilting at some point in our lives or grew up with quilting as a family tradition. Our indivdual creativity embraces the shared traditions and values of quiltmaking.
4) Quilts are expressive.
A quilt combines the quilter’s personal artistic choices with the role each element of a quilt plays in its function. The layered choices of design, construction, materials and fabrication are all brought to bear in the making of a quilt. A quilt back may be chosen for its warmth and comfort, the batting for its density or loft. Each choice underscores the quilt as functional art.
5) Quilts are deliberate.
Quilting materials require deliberate choices as we make quilts. Fabrics are made of different fibers of varying weaves that may stretch and shrink; threads have weight, ply and strength; bating can be made of different fibers and have varying densities and loft. These materials shape the way we make quilts. Our creative choices and the way quilts will be used depend on our deliberate choice of materials and construction techniques.
6) Quilts are imperfect.
The materials from which we fashion quilts – fabric, batting and thread — all have a supple quality. They each stretch and move as we work. Its these qualities that given quilts their visual and tactile qualities — among them, softness, sublety, vibrancy, shape and line. Both the quilter’s hand and the nature of these materials mean that quilts are inherently imperfect. Much as we strive for precisely matched seams, imperfections always result when a quilter creates with her materials. In part, craft distinguishes itself from mere “art” in this interplay of maker and with rich organic nature of materials.
The aesthetic of imperfection is profoundly revered by the Japanese in its rich art traditions and craft traditions. The organic nature of quilt materials allow the hand of the quiltmaker to shine through, and add character and distinctiveness to quilts.
7) Quilts are unique.
Quilts invite us to touch them, to hold them, to wrap ourselves in them offering a sense where art, function and life uniquely meet. Quilts intimately embody our lives in ways that is unique to this art and craft. Each quilt is unique to the quiltmaker and her time. Well-worm, well loved, cherished – quilts connect generations.
