Celestial Celebration by Roxane Lessa
Fiber art has been around since the beginning of our existence on this planet.
It incorporates weaving of grasses and animal and plant fibers to make baskets
and clothing and blankets. Textiles have been used to adorn our bodies and
homes for thousands of years. The origins of fiber art quilts or tapestries begin
with the humble bed quilt, created with many pieces of leftover bits of fabric.
All the pieces are sewn together, layered with some form of batting, then a backing
fabric, and quilted by hand or machine through all 3 layers.
In the 1970ʼs, traditional patchwork quilters began experimenting with other
techniques and imagery to make pieces meant to be enjoyed as a wall hangings.
This form of quilting has evolved and grown tremendously in the past 40+ years,
to become a true fiber art medium.
When I learned how to make my first 9 patch bed quilt back 1998, I quickly
decided that I wanted to make fiber art, and I have been exploring that medium
ever since. Why do I prefer fiber over any other medium? Two words: texture
and color. Exciting textures and vibrant colors are possible with fiber that just
beg to be touched. I enjoy working with landscapes and cityscapes, botanical
subjects, and free form abstracts. I often dye my own fabric, and do all my own
quilting patterns- no computer embroidery for me! My process often starts with a
photograph of something beautiful, with lots of color and texture. I make a
pattern and fuse the pieces together. Often I will add paint for added depth and
realism. Lastly, I will plan and execute the stitching, which further enhances the
texture. The result is an exciting blend of fabric, thread, paint that creates a fiber
art tapestry.
It incorporates weaving of grasses and animal and plant fibers to make baskets
and clothing and blankets. Textiles have been used to adorn our bodies and
homes for thousands of years. The origins of fiber art quilts or tapestries begin
with the humble bed quilt, created with many pieces of leftover bits of fabric.
All the pieces are sewn together, layered with some form of batting, then a backing
fabric, and quilted by hand or machine through all 3 layers.
In the 1970ʼs, traditional patchwork quilters began experimenting with other
techniques and imagery to make pieces meant to be enjoyed as a wall hangings.
This form of quilting has evolved and grown tremendously in the past 40+ years,
to become a true fiber art medium.
When I learned how to make my first 9 patch bed quilt back 1998, I quickly
decided that I wanted to make fiber art, and I have been exploring that medium
ever since. Why do I prefer fiber over any other medium? Two words: texture
and color. Exciting textures and vibrant colors are possible with fiber that just
beg to be touched. I enjoy working with landscapes and cityscapes, botanical
subjects, and free form abstracts. I often dye my own fabric, and do all my own
quilting patterns- no computer embroidery for me! My process often starts with a
photograph of something beautiful, with lots of color and texture. I make a
pattern and fuse the pieces together. Often I will add paint for added depth and
realism. Lastly, I will plan and execute the stitching, which further enhances the
texture. The result is an exciting blend of fabric, thread, paint that creates a fiber
art tapestry.
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