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Artist Statement I work in fabric to express images that come to me from life – from nature, art, literature and prayer. Inspiration also comes directly from the ethnic textiles that I use in my quilts. My quilt designs evolve from explorations of the patterns, colors and textures of these fabric icons, as well as their cultural and religious significance. It is fascinating to me how even a fragment of cloth can evoke the soul of a culture; the way in which, in the midst of their struggle to survive, a people can produce utilitarian objects of a beauty that transcends their function. It is a testament to the universal need to create beauty in one’s life and to the spiritual connection that comes from making art. Tribal art’s ancient, cross-cultural imagery and design concepts are powerful stimulants to my creativity. Archetypes like the Tree of Life provide inspiration, as do prayer rugs and other weavings, with their cruciform, latchhook, and other quilt-like motifs. My quilts contain fragments from many cultures. In this exhibit, the textiles are primarily from India and Central Asia countries including Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. But you will also find Guatemalan weavings, Japanese shibori, Thai silk ikat, Pakistani embroidery, Israeli Bedouin embroidery, Balinese sarongs and ikat, and my Grandma’s lace doilies. It is a joy to collect textiles -- some to keep, some to incorporate into my artwork. I try to maintain the integrity of the original piece, and to use it in a way that will honor the original maker. I seek out these weavings, embroideries, beadwork and other fabrics wherever I travel, from import stores, garage sales, bazaars, and lately on the Internet. My style of quilting has been greatly affected by these textiles; the raw-edged layers of reverse appliqué create texture and depth, and my hand-dyed fabrics and various surface design techniques contribute to the richness of the quilts. Susan Schapira |
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Web posted February 2005 © Alaska State Museum 2005 |
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