What Does Surface Design Mean To You?

Karin Millson - 1/2/12

Design on a Surface: A completely open-ended classification for creativity that provides almost limitless opportunities for artistic expression. A form of art that is not hindered by preconceived ideas, stereo-types or pigeon-holing.

Madona Cole-Lacy - 12/31/11

Surface design is the manifestation of my creative thought process on fabric and paper in a manner that reflects my temperament or mission. It is a vehicle through which I explore the endless possibilities of self expression, as I take the lead from the "character" of any one surface that will be the recipient of my artistic,social, cultural or emotional expression.

Sue Mattero - 11/19/11

Textures and media presented in a new and unexpected way.

Andrea Hupke de Palacio - 10/19/11

The name "Surface Design" includes not only fibres, but other material too, at least that is how I understand it. I find the names "textile art" or "textile creation and design" too limited. In French art schools they use the name "design surface" and it does mean something, and people generally have a good idea here of what it is. I found very interesting artists here who work with all kinds of materials, and find it fascinating to have a view on what is going on in this field. It is inspiring for future projects and for exchange on techniques etc.
Greetings from Paris, Andrea

Leesa Hubbell - 7/21/11

I've been a member since 1977 and "Surface Design" has never been an accurate or fitting name for the association's members - but it certainly does not reflect the pursuits of the membership in the 21st century.

"Surface Design" now means either 1) print design for cloth or other surfaces like laminate (Formica) or even skateboard decks 2) design of surfaces for architectural use like cement paving slabs. Subscribe to "surface design" google alerts and experience this yourself. Or do a google search and see what you get, as Silvia points out. Yes, we are competing with Seventh Day Adventists in the very important sphere of online search rankings.

SDA is sabotaging its visibility and relevance by clinging to a name that does not communicate what its members actually do. This is particularly tragic now that Fiberarts has folded. There are probably thousands of makers who would find value in SDA's mission and benefits but the connection is lost because the term "surface design" has absolutely no relevance whatsoever to their creative concerns. It is the hairy purple gorilla in the room and there appears to be little momentum for acknowledging - let alone acting - on this.

Yes - it would take energy, money and hassle to recalibrate the name and brand, but it is not clear what the organization is waiting for. The mis-matched name has not, and will not, improve with time. This is not going to go away.

Silvia Piza-Tandlich - 7/13/11

As a Rep, I work with affiliates in 3 languages, and "surface design" doesn't mean anything in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, or French for that matter. To me, surface-design means having to explain to people that it means, "lograr una superficie con profundidad y textura". SDA also means "Seventh Day Adventist"...sooooo, I propose a name change: ATCD (Association for Textile Creation & Design).

Ann Nyberg Fernstrom - 7/7/11

For me, living in Sweden and being connected with a serious fiber art organization in the United States means a lot! To be able to display my work, find out what's going on, and read comments and experiences from other fiber artists in the fiber world, and across the ocean. I think SDA is very well organized and I don't think there is another one like it in the world! I lived in L.A many years ago and there is always a need for me to be connected with the United States. And i am. Thank you! www.annnyberg.se

Viola Burley Leak - 6/11/11

Using processes to make fiber into art and/or refacing existing textiles.

Wen Redmond - 6/11/11

An invitation, an open door, exploration of meaning + expression on + with textiles. Encouragement!

Leisa Rich - 6/11/11

Surface Design is an incredible, never-ending, exciting, wealth of techniques and materials and creative vision that can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, the flat to the dimensional, the lifeless to the fantastical. Surface Design Association brings together artists and artisans who are instinctively and purposefully obsessed with the tactile, who love to break down the barriers of exclusivity in craft and art disciplines and who connect together the creative spirit of the past, the present and open the door to the future.

Michaela Toth - 6/11/11

Surface design is...stuff-woven, dyed, cut up. It's reassembled. It's things attached. It's strings that tie in front and lie in back. It's dye-tested, just rolling alongside the tide. Surface design is in motion, in flux; it is experiencing thru the senses and the rejuvenation of coming alive.

Renata Rubim - 6/11/11

Surface Design means much more than textile and fiber design. It means what I say on my website www.renatarubim.com.br: "If everything has a surface and colour, then all we have to do is improve the treatment and to mould our look upon them".

Peggy Dembicer - 6/11/11

Manipulation, experimentation, ostentation, imagination, undulation, presentation, fabrication, and glorification of forms, shapes, canvas, fabric, warp or space.