Whilst trying to fall asleep last night, I thought of some other things I had seen that I thought were inspiring:
Sharon Schamber has at least 2 pieces (that I know of) that are inspirational:
If I remember correctly, the “blocks” in the dress are actually painted. (The photo links to her gallery where you can see details of this quilt, as well as look at her other works of art).
Another quilt that I remembered last night was this one by Lura Schwarz Smith: Seams a Lot Like Degas
This quilt was named one of the 100 Best Quilts of the 20th Century. And I don’t just like it because she used my favorite block in the skirts….
And last, but not least, I thought of Paula Vaughan. I used to be a cross-stitcher. And I was always drawn to the very large, very detailed projects — especially Paula’s paintings of dresses and brides and flowers and…..quilts!
Several years ago I started a piece that depicts a bride getting dressed. It’s still a long way from being finished. Most of the other pieces I’ve done were either her florals or…her quilts…imagine that!
I still find her work to be very beautiful, and as I think about the examples that I’ve drawn from for my dress in art posts, I’m finding that I am drawn more towards art that is PRETTY than I am to art that is EDGY. Sometimes I feel like I need to apologize for this, but you know what: what’s the point? I like what I like. If you think the stuff that I like is…saccharine or trite…or…whatever, that’s OK with me. It takes all kinds, right?
I didn’t get a whole lot of comments on yesterday’s posts, so maybe I’m pretty much alone in finding these depictions of dress in art fascinating….but I’d love to hear comments from you on what I’ve posted — or other suggestions for things to look at — or…whatever!
It’s Wednesday again, and I was hoping to have my Work In Progress posting be of a Work That’s Finished — but I spent nearly all day yesterday glued to my chair trying to resolve some printing and website issues. I don’t want to post pictures of what’s in progress until it’s done, because I don’t want to bore people with pictures that don’t look like anything has changed….maybe later today?? That’s if I can get my fanny unglued and back out to the studio.
TTFN-
Suzanne
As before, all of the pictures link back to the artist’s site that the picture came from.
i always find your posts interesting. and the dress art that looks like quilt blocks is very kewl. even things that aren’t my bag are interesting to me. keep posting whatever you find wherever your mind takes you. good luck on the unglue-ing!
I think I read either in one of her books or on her website that the quilt with the green dress has been lost or destroyed. So sad.
I have always liked that quilt by Lura Schwarz Smith.
Paula —
If I remember right, from a conversation with Sharon’s daughter Cristy, the original green dress quilt was destroyed in a UPS truck fire — but she has since remade the quilt. I think this is the remade quilt.
Thanks for highlighting these pieces; I have greatly enjoyed seeing them.
Sometimes, I think, people try to be edgy simply because it’s the flavor of the day. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying the art that speaks to you.
I’ve always loved the Seams a Lot Like Degas quilt. I also visited the site you linked in your post the other day and though they aren’t something I’d decorate with, I did think the dresses were cute.
Sometimes I feel like I’m in the minority because I love simple scrappy quilts and frequently quilt pantographs on them…but like you say, that’s what I like even if everyone else is out there doing exquisite custom quilting!
You know, I enjoyed reading and viewing the quilt dress’s too! I suppose because I’ve sewn sooo many “different dresses”. Dresses that mean a lot of things to a lot of people. Besides quilts, I sew wedding dresses. There is a lot of ourselves that we put into quilts, dresses and other projects. Sometimes, I think we “as artist’s” can feel what others have “put into” the items they have made. Nice to know, that there are others out there that feel this way too. Funny, I can get all teary eyed when I view something someone has put their heart and sole into. People will keep coming to you to have you do work for them, when you continue to show this side of yourself. Hang in there.
Enjoy the times you have to share these talents.