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.