The Art of Ruth E. Carter: Costuming Black History and the Afrofuture, from Do the right Thing to Black Panther by Ruth E. Carter It seems to me that the debate of form versus function might be an eternal struggle for a costume designer. One might love the look of a costume, but will it …
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100 Amulets by Susan Ball Faeder Omamori are pocket-sized good luck charms sold in Japanese shrines and temples that convey wishes and protection. In 2019, Susan Ball Faeder created her own collection of omamori–inspired amulets as part of The 100 Day Project. Her time as high school exchange student in a small Japanese village had set …
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Photo Memory Quilts by Lesley Riley As someone who loves photography, I was particularly excited and intrigued to read Lesley Riley’s new book, Photo Memory Quilts. I’ve been searching for ways to incorporate photos into my fiber artworks and Riley has been combining photos with her quilts for decades. “I tell visual stories”, writes Riley. …
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Patterns in Art: A closer look at the Old Masters by Francesca Leoneschi, Giovanna Ferraris, and Silvia Lazzaris As you wander through an art exhibition, what attracts you to an artwork and makes you linger? Is it color? Subject matter? Technique? While visiting museums together, three friends–Francesca Leoneschi, Giovanna Ferraris and Silvia Lazzaris–discovered they each had …
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Patternalia: An Unconventional History of Polka Dots, Stripes, Plaid, Camouflage & Other Graphic Patterns by Jude Stewart “This is going to be fun,” I thought as I flipped through Jude Stewart’s book Patternalia for the first time. The book’s graphic style and layout were ideally suited to a book about pattern. Skimming over a few sentences suggested …
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Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World by Victoria Finlay I’m so engrossed in Victoria Finlay’s new book, Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World, that I’m wondering, will she get firsthand knowledge about barkcloth without the benefit of fifteen bodyguards and a helicopter? I don’t notice my bumpy flight until water slops …
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The Nature of Things: Essays of a Tapestry Weaver by Tommye McClure Scanlin In his artist statement in the 1988 World Tapestry Today exhibition catalog, Archie Brennan wrote that tapestry is a frequently boring 20th century activity (1). Author and tapestry artist Tommye McClure Scanlin concedes the point. She notes it can be boring when …
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Enchanted Worlds: The Visionary Collages and Art Couture of Amy Zerner by Monte Farber I’m a little freaked out. I’m staring at page 103, at a King of Wings/The Professional Tarot card that makes me think of Shakespeare. It’s from The Enchanted Love Tarot, one of the many collaborative projects created by Amy Zerner and …
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This month’s SDA Book Club is by our contributing author Vivien Zepf, who reviews Dress Codes. Dress Codes: How the Laws of Fashion Made History by Richard Thompson Ford Colorful dresses with pockets. Patterned shirts and dark pants, with and without stretchy waistbands. That’s my wardrobe. My choice is based on comfort and cost, and …
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This month’s SDA Book Club welcomes back contributing author Vivien Zepf, who reviews the beautiful book, Modern Fabric. Modern Fabric: Twenty-Five Designers on Their Inspiration and Craft by Abby Gilchrist and Amelia Poole Modern Fabric: Twenty-Five Designers on Their Inspiration and Craft is a double-dose of eye candy. With 400 luscious illustrations, this book is …
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