To Feed the Soul and Beautify the World

While browsing in the blogosphere, I found a link to the Red Thread Studio blog: http://lainie.typepad.com/redthread/

Elaine Lipson has some intriguing things to say about textile arts, including this:

"I don't worry too much about the distinction between art and craft here. I'm more interested in the idea that we're drawn to be creative, expressive, and innovative in the sometimes-painstaking medium of fiber in a world where everything can be done for us and everything can be automated"

It's a refreshing point of view. One of the email lists I participate in has frequent discussions of art vs. craft. On that list, the word "craft" is often used to describe something that is inferior to art. Supposedly, craft is about traditional skills and the production of functional objects, while only art has the loftier ambition of being expressive and innovative.

I like Elaine's approach. It reminds me of the Arts and Crafts revival of the early 20th century. The proponents of the Arts and Crafts philosophy believed that useful objects can be beautiful works of art, and that art should be a part of every person's life regardless of their financial means.

One of the things I love about fiber art is that you can create some for just a few dollars. All you need are some inexpensive notions and a bit of fabric or yarn. You can be on your way to an artistic adventure for $20 or less! It doesn't get much more accessible than that.