An Open Letter to Those who Don’t Get the Fiber Arts
I am not doing this to recreate the past. I don’t harbour any fantasies of wearing petticoats or a bonnet. And I don’t knit because I want to feel domestic.
I do this to free my soul. I do this to work in colours that make my heart sing. I dye because I see in my mind hues and shades that are bursting to be let out. And so I do let them out, laying them down in dye upon fiber – vibrant shades poured out over wool, over silk, over the ordinary of life.
And when, at last, I cast those colours onto my needles, I feel a calm wash over me as I work them up into a fabric of my own making — the needles clicking softly and the colours gently blending and contrasting.
I know you think this is old-fashioned, but it’s not. It is as modern as imagination, as current as discovery, as now as creativity. Would you ask a painter why he doesn’t just take a photograph?
And it’s ok if you don’t get it. I understand. But I just wanted to say – I just wanted to say out loud – that this is nothing about old fashioned. This is what I do, and I do it now. I am a fiber artist.
Love this! (Also love the orange & pink yarn in the second picture! What is it? =))
My goodness! Have you been reading my mind? My feelings exactly. Great to know I’m in such wonderful company.
I do fiber art because…it’s art! lol I do love how I’m connected to countless generations by knitting, spinning, sewing. But I don’t do it for anachronistic joy.
Missed you on Friday. Know you’re busy, and I’ll see you Saturday, but we still missed you.
Not only are you a fiber artist, but an artist in general! You can obviously write and photograph amazingly! Keep it up!
Your creations are truly a work of art~ You go girl…………….
Hi Stephanie ~
Can’t wait to witness – first hand – your marvelous creations. I’ll be at the Festival this Sunday. Best – Mary
A way with words and with color! What talent! I just hope my knitting does your color justice!
Hear, hear!!!
Amen Sister!!!
It is entirely possible, though, to want to wear a bonnet and to want to spin at the same time without these desires having any relation to each other. Just wanted to get that off my chest.
You most certainly are a fiber artist…your colors are breathtaking! I want them all!!
THANK YOU! this is exactly what I try so hard to get across to other people!