by Sally Kahler
At the May 2014 Triangle Weavers Guild Meeting, Rose Warner asked if anyone was interested in exploring contemporary textile art. A sheet was passed around and eight people signed up. The first meeting was held in September. The participants were encouraged to look at the web site, textileartist.org to come up with ideas and directions to take this new study group. This was before the Triangle Fiber Arts Center existed, and members took turns hosting the meetings. Those first meetings focused on researching a topic followed by discussion among the members. Some of those first topics included: textile books and journals, boxes, contemporary quilts, contemporary embroidery, nature in textiles etc. Pinterest quickly became a favorite source for pictures. There was so much inspiration.
The next year the study group moved to TFAC, meeting monthly on the second Monday at 2pm. ContempT still meets at this time, and the group has grown to its current 16 members. The focus for the group changes every year but now there is more emphasis on the members creating their own pieces inspired by the topic of the month.
One year each member brought a piece of fabric and each month it was given to another member who would embellish it and then pass it on. These pieces of fabric were embroidered, buttons added, fabric cut apart and put back together, pieces appliqued on top of another until the original pieces were hardly recognizable. This project sparked so many ideas!
One of the most popular topics was creating with recycled envelopes. The inside of envelopes, parts of envelopes, stamps–all were used to create new works of art.
Jewelry is frequently created and is defined many ways using recycled pieces, varied fiber, woven wire, beads and fabric. Another topic was “mark making”. Members used fabric pens and markers to create repetitive designs on paper and cloth. Design elements of repetition and focal points were discussed.
Members frequently collaborate on these projects. Someone will bring in something they started and wonder what direction it could be taken. One idea feeds off of another.
Occasionally a local fiber artist will visit and talk about her work. Peg Gignoux brought numerous examples of her work and generously talked about her inspiration and materials. Her use of mixed media and stitching on silk, linen and paper created colorful personal pieces of art which were then our jumping off point to create for the next meeting.
Recently the group has focused on specific artists. Raymond Saa was one of the artists. The group was captivated by his colorful collage art works and these were interpreted in many mediums including fiber, tapestry, paint, and paper. Click here to see the group’s efforts.
The most recent meeting focused on the Group of 62, textile artists from the UK. Each
member researched one of the artists and then created a piece inspired by their particular choice for the next meeting. This is a format we are continuing this year. Researching one month and creating the next.
ContempT is a study group that works at inspiring all types of art. It often goes beyond fiber but the inspiration can be applied to creating in whatever is your current interest. And while the original group is currently at capacity, a new Contemporary Textile group may be forming soon, with more artists, topics, and materials to explore and opportunity to inspire and be inspired.
To view more ContempT group efforts, click here.