The Textile Artist's Studio Handbook

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:8

001-027_28051.indd 8 3/6/12 7:49 PM

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:9

001-027_28051.indd 9 3/6/12 7:49 PM

(Text)

The TexT ile ArT isT 's sTudio hAndbook

8

Introduction

Within all of us there is a desire and a talent to cre-

ate, whether it is ideas, music, or physical objects.

The ability to create with your own hands eases the

mind, soothes the soul, and supports a sense of self-

sufficiency. If you’ve ever had the slight desire to dive

into the world of textiles or envisioned the space in

which you could do so, the book you hold in your

hands is the perfect starting point.

To us, it’s an exciting time for textiles. Our man-

agement of the Textile Arts Center in New York City

has given us a unique perspective on the prevailing

attitude towards textiles. While fiber arts and crafts

enjoyed a resurgence of popularity in the 1960s and

’70s sparking a wide debate on arts versus crafts, the

emerging interest in textiles is something entirely dif-

ferent. Once seen as more practical in application,

the design and creation of textiles is now achieving

recognition as an art form. With the success of DIY

(think Etsy, Handmade Nation), the growth in the sus-

tainable fashion movement, and the increasing use of

textile media among fine artists, the descriptions of

textile design and textile artists have changed from

stodgy, crafty, and old to useful, beautiful, and even

hip. Today, it seems that nothing is cooler than being

able to say you made it yourself.

While the joy of creating is extremely important

and something we always want to foster, we also have

another goal, and that is education. As university stu-

dents, we started the Textile Arts Center with a love

and understanding of textiles and their importance,

as well as a desire to preserve hand-craft techniques

that were becoming forgotten. For us, preservation

relies on education.

At the Center, we’ve met people of all ages, races,

economic backgrounds, and career paths, all with

their own reason for wanting to learn about textiles.

We have often been shocked. How could there be a

print designer who had never screen printed before?

How could a designer study in fashion school and

never touch a loom? As time passes, we are more mo-

tivated than ever about our mission to educate people

about textiles, not just their importance or history, but

the fundamental processes that lead to great design.

Our physical space at the Textile Arts Center is

home to classes, workshops, and events in all forms

of textile media. So, as authors we wanted to address

a wide range of fiber media in this book as well. We

learned all of the fabulous ways to create textiles by

diving in and setting up a giant studio, and we want to

share our experiences.

While there will always be some processes that

draw you more than others, some fibers that you can’t

wait to work with, and beautiful environments that

inspire you, there will also be many resources and

books on your journey to help you explore textile me-

dia. Our wish is to provide you with a foundation upon

which to grow. It is our hope that you will feel inspired

to set up your own studio, get your hands dirty, and

learn through the exploration and understanding of

the fundamental principles of textiles.

— Owyn Ruck and Visnja Popovic,

Textile Arts Center

Take a minute to observe your surroundings. What covers your windows? What do

you love about that cozy couch you’re sitting on? Do you know how your shirt was

screen printed, or how your rug was woven? Textiles encompass a huge part of our

world, but many of us have no idea about the journey that fibers take to become the

products that you own and wear and enjoy.

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:8

001-027_28051.indd 8 3/6/12 7:39 PM

The TexT ile ArT isT 's sTudio hAndbook

(RAY)

(Fogra 39) Job:02-28051 Title:RP-Textile Artist Handbook

#175 DTP:225 Page:9

001-027_28051.indd 9 3/6/12 7:39 PM