Interpreting Themes in Textile Art

This stunning collection showcases the work produced by renowned textile artists Els van Baarle and Cherilyn Martin, and explores how even when working from the same starting point textile art can produce a myriad interpretations of shape, form, colour and technique. Els and Cherilyn have chosen six themes for their own starting point, each full of inspiration and artistic potential: Memory (both personal experiences and historical events); Graven (cemetery) images and idols; Books as objects; Pompeii and archaeological excavations; Walls; and Everyday items. For each of the themes the authors have provided a personal interpretation of the work and a description of the techniques they used, along with step-by-step instructions. In the chapter on memory, for example, Els demonstrates how old fabrics and textiles (which themselves have a unique history all of their own) can be recycled to incorporate your own stitched drawings. Alternatively, Cherilyn explores Procion Dye techniques to create colourful and striking fabrics that bear no resemblance to Els work on the same theme.