Fiberarts: Inspiring Your Knitting Artistry

May 19, 2010

Fiberarts: Inspiring Your Knitting Artistry A note from Kathleen: We each knit for different reasons. Some of us knit for stress relief, some of us knit to keep our hands busy, some of us knit because we can't imagine not knitting, and some of us knit simply because of the beauty of the finished product. That last reason is pretty important—I believe that all knitted objects are beautiful. I can see the love and effort that goes into every project, and the pride in the face of the person who created it. What some people don't realize is that knitting is an art, not simply a craft. Spreading the joy of knitted art is one of the reasons I love my job so much! When you think about knitting as art—and yourself as an artist—you open up a new world of resources. Our sister magazine, Fiberarts, is a perfect example of this type of source of inspiration. Fiberarts has been around for 35 years, exploring issues and developments about all things fiber. It promotes contemporary fiber art and artists, and is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in creating art out of fiber. Here's editor Marci McDade to show you what you can glean from this innovative magazine. Dorothy "Bunny" Bowen, Pedernal at Peace, 2008; rozome on kimono silk; beeswax and soy wax resist; 14" x 18". Photo by the artist. Anne Lemanski, Pygmy Hog, 2009; archival inkjet print on paper, artificial sinew, copper wire; handstitched; 12" x 14" x 7". Photo: Steve Mann. Marie Watt, Energy: Our Heirloom (Panel 3 of 5), 2008; reclaimed wool, satin binding, embroidery floss, thread; handstitched; each panel 32" x 72" x 3". Commission by Seattle City Light, Seattle. Photo: Gern Blanston. C. A. Michel, Pink 2, 2009; wool yarn over linen core and Chinese silver pheasant feathers; coiled; 4" x 9" diameter. Photo: Hank Drew. Fiberarts: A Magazine for Fiber Lovers My love of all forms of textile art was encouraged and enlightened by Fiberarts magazine long before I became the editor. As an artist just starting out in the 1990s, I made weekly visits to my local library to pour over back issues of Fiberarts, bound in hardcover. I would sit for hours relishing every article I discovered. The magazine truly enhanced my appreciation and understanding of the rich and varied field of textile arts. It is a gift to now be part of the Fiberarts legacy! Fiberarts is perfect for those with a passion for textiles. Each issue is bursting with inspiration, contemporary textile art, and fiber news from around the globe. We feature profiles about artists and their work, and visit artists’ studios to share their creative processes. Our extensive calendar (which is expanded on our website) shows where you can see textile art on display in your area and where you travel. You can count on Fiberarts for inspiration, information, and resources with an innovative approach to all forms of fiber art! Our summer issue is dedicated to exploring a wide range of vibrant and thought-provoking works inspired by and made from nature. Highlights include: Rozome Silk Paintings. Dorothy “Bunny” Bowen uses the traditional Japanese technique of rozome, using beeswax and soy wax resist on silk, to create her breathtaking views of stark desert landscapes and rushing waterways. Stitched Paper Sculptures. Anne Lemanski combines paper, fabric, copper wire, and artificial sinew to create poignant portraits of endangered creatures. Her quiet, yet insistent, handstitched sculptures remind us of our fragile relationship with the animal kingdom. Felt and Repurposed Wool Blanket Work. Marie Watt uses handmade felt, a multitude of wool blankets, and stories from Native American culture to construct sculptural works that unfold the past into the present. Watt’s two-dimensional narrative pieces convey a sense of respect for the planet and reliance on natural resources. Feathered Baskets. C. A. Michel transforms the humble materials of wool, thread, and feathers into enchanting vessel forms that embody the artist’s spiritual and mythical connection to nature. Mesmerizing in appearance, Michel’s creative process involves a meditative coiled basketry technique. And much more! I hope you'll take advantage of the special offer below and check out the current issue; may it inspire you to take a closer look at the world outside and make something new that celebrates the wonder of nature! Warm regards,

Kathleen Cubley is the editor of Knitting Daily. Kathleen's Knit-Along We're knitting the Sleeveless Tuxedo Shirt. Come knit with us! More Knitting Daily •  Blogs •  Galleries •  Knitting Daily TV •  Free Patterns •  Join Knitting Daily •  Share Your Comments

Try a FREE trial issue of Fiberarts For over 35 years, Fiberarts has been the leading textile arts magazine and, year after year, we bring our readers the best fiber art from around the world. In every issue: You'll be inspired by the amazing work of other artists You'll read interesting profiles of both recognized and upcoming artists You'll discover wonderful art collections both public and private You'll learn about exhibits and competitions where you can enjoy the work of others or submit your own To find the best and most interesting work in needlework, fiber sculpture, knitting, quilting, wearable art, jewelry making, weaving, and more, you need to take a look at Fiberarts.   "Every cover to date has made me want to dive in. Each illustration has been provocative, promising something wildly edgy and interesting, and I can barely wait to sit down from bringing in the mail." Sarah Ellis     Take a look at the current issue…The Summer issue focuses on the theme of Natural Wonders, with work inspired and made with nature. Feature articles include C. A. Michel's coiled and feathered vessels; realistic stitched paper sculptures of endangered animals by Anne Lemanski; the freestyle machine-embroidered desert landscapes of Carol Shinn; a look at three artists with very different approaches who create their fiber art to draw attention to protecting our water resources; and much more. Claim your FREE trial issue today. "Radiance" by C.A. Michel See what you'll find in upcoming issues...We'll focus on humor and how artists use the lighter side of life to make new work; the future of the field focusing on new techniques and materials; our annual student showcase featuring fiber art of the future; and, of course, our always popular wearable art issue. You won't want to miss any of them! Claim your free trial issue today. Discover the best and most interesting work in textile art & craft. Claim your FREE trial issue now!