I consider myself both a quilter and an artist. As I go thru the process of putting a quilt together, my thought process in choosing colors, fabrics, what to add, not to add, embelish, quilt, etc. qualifies me as an artist. I do not always follow patterns or color suggestions. Especially when I do Crazy Quilting.

I just consider myself a quilter.

All quilters are artists!

I consider myself a quilt artist and a craftsman (quilter), but I'm more than any of these descriptions.

No such thing as "just a quilter". That makes it sound throwaway, as if it's not enough. Quilting is so much more.

LOVE this! There's such a profound truth there. Children play and create, unselfconsciously, while we "grown-ups" are so often inhibited by the messages we've absorbed about what we're good or not good at and what we "ought" to do, and many of us have learned to judge everything we do by external criteria instead of just enjoying ourselves in creativity for its own sake. Thankyou, Iclang - that's such a helpful and challenging comment.

This is such an interesting thread. Reading the latest posts, aonther thought struck me. How much of this discussion is a "woman thing"? Somehow I don't think many men who create beautiful, original quilts would hesitate to describe themselves as artists. I suspect that textile arts have been neglected by the art establishment because they're regarded as something women do to keep themselves busy, while men do "proper" art. The Tate gallery in London recently mounted an exhibition of "folk art" which included some beautiful quilts and embroideries. Folk art rather than just art.... how patronising. And how typical. When I go to the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham UK each summer, where the work becomes more experimental and unique with every show, I know I'm in an art gallery, looking at works of art.

I'm saddened that the thread that inspired this one got shut down. These two were my favorite threads. I didn't see anything offensive in it, guess I have thick skin.

I agree with this. I would not consider myself an artist and I don't really like art or want to do anything "arty". However I don't think that makes me "just a quilter". I strive to be a quilter, don't want to be an artist.

I was just thinking about this yesterday as I sewed, "one more log," onto a big log cabin quilt that I'm making for someone.

:::sigh:::

I am a seamstress and an artist who has picked up quilting only a few years ago. I'm always trying out new techniques and honing my quilting skills, but my goal is to be set free to design and create whatever my mind can imagine. So, right now, I am a, "quilter," but later, I plan to be a, "quilting artist."

~ C