For some artists, the traditional pen and paper – or even brush and canvas – simply aren’t enough. These artists rather turn to fabric – textiles, wool, and strings – channeling their creativity through other, more exciting mediums. The use of these materials makes in and of itself a powerful statement, addressing the age-long question of what makes some things art and others crafts? Here are three textile artists you’ll want to take note of.
Olek
Agata Oleksiak (aka Olek) covers the world around her in crochet, quite literally. Among her crochet pieces are sculptures, cars, whole buildings, and even people, with her work exhibited around the world. Currently based in New York City, the Polish artist doesn’t shy from making political statements, and is in an avid supporter of women’s rights, equality, and freedom of expression.
“I think crochet, the way I create it, is a metaphor for the complexity and interconnectedness of our body and its systems and psychology,” she once stated. “The connections are stronger as one fabric as opposed to separate strands, but, if you cut one, the whole thing will fall apart.”
Windy Chien
For Chinese-American artist, Windy Chien, nothing could be more powerful than a simple knot. Relying on everyday materials, Chien creates sculptures and installations that range in size, bringing out the aesthetic side of a functional practice. “I make sculpture and installations that elevate the vernacular and inspire awe and understanding,” she writes on her website. “In the context of knots, I bring aesthetics to the intersection of function, science, and history to illuminate what’s most fascinating about knots: the journey of the line.”
Julia Mior
Julia Mior’s art is meant to be stepped on. Based in Vancouver, BC, she uses weaving to create original rugs that are inspired by artists like Matisse, Tracey Emin, and Kazimir Malevich. “The rugs are made to be put on the ground,” she stressed in an interview with MONTECRISTO Magazine. “A lot of people who buy my work want to hang them, but that isn’t necessarily how I intend it.” We wouldn’t dare…
