Originally Posted by
Jojesek
I have just started making "fabric art", more wall hanging than bed cover. For anyone else doing this sort of thing, do you require the same close up inspection perfect as you do for regular quilts? I haven't taken any classes, do most of the sewing by hand and just do what strikes me. I often undo and redo many sections before I'm satisfied but sometimes have fabric edges showing, basting stitches and even loose threads that don't come out after all the beads, ribbons and buttons are stitched on.
Well, I don't aim for perfection with my regular bed quilts unless I'm putting them in a show. I make sure that client quilts are in very good condition & only have minor issues that no one would notice unless they are quilt inspectors. For family quilts, I don't even worry about issues unless they affect the functionality of the quilt.
I think with art quilts, if you have things too "perfect" it stops looking like art. It's what all the art quilt teachers I've ever had have taught & I like that idea. The point of art is to have an impact on people. To get them to feel something (love, tranquility, rage, fear, joy, freedom...). If the viewer is nitpicking stray stitches and loose threads, I personally feel like I've failed as an artist on that piece. The best pieces of art, imho, are the ones where viewers don't think about its construction at all; they just react & interact with the art.
But, of course, anything going in a juried show would get extra attention to all those finishing details because construction & finishing are typically the two main considerations in picking winners.