Industrial Art Quilt Tapestry Valerie Dowdy
About eleven years ago I was resident artist for an .org in Wise County for their summer camp program. I am not, nor do i willing ever offer to teach art. But, I did, and I survived. I talked about a lot of different artists and genres with the kiddos. We recreated versions of those artists work. The focus of this particular camp was traditional studies, so I included a paper quilt project. While creating this project, I was also creating abstract expressionism. Which ultimately lead to my idea of the “Industrial Quilt”.
I’ve always been intrigued by the intricate art and workmanship involved in making quilts and/or art quilts. But, at the time, I was not ready to give up my textural abstract way of creating. I began exploring ways in which I could incorporate my taste for abstract expression with quilting. Where else could I go? I headed to a local home improvement store. I had an idea of what I wanted to make, I just needed to figure out what materials would work.
I created at least 4 industrial art quilt tapestries. Originally, the pieces were hung on galvanized pipe like art quilts. I used oil paints and scratched words and quotes in some of the pieces. However, I was forced to disassemble them when we moved. I only have these four sections left in their separated state. I have never quite let go of this project completely…
They catch my attention often, so much so, that I’ve currently installed them in my LR and have me contemplating some new interpretations. That is….when I finally get my current feminine pieces out of my sleep deprived brain and onto canvas.
Peace, Valerie
To design is to communicate clearly by whatever means you can control or master. -Milton Glaser
PS-we did not, I repeat NOT, injure the deer that this antler belongs to! It was discovered in our yard along with a few others . I felt they needed some respect for the life they gave, by becoming art.