Textile Vessels!

As you can imagine, I am passionate about textiles and fiber arts. As I confided in a friend not long ago, “I would eat fabric if I could!” But I have a confession to make.

I have a strong appreciation for ceramics, too. They have some basic things in common with textiles, and that is their origin in the fundamental “stuff” of life. Historically speaking, textiles fulfilled the need for clothing to keep humans warm (or cool), something to sleep under, or write on, amongst other things. For ceramics, that fundamental origin lies in giving humans a way of transporting water or food.

And boy, would I like to see archeologists dig up some textiles, the way they do vessels and bowls! Can you imagine the scene at the archeological dig?? “Vladimir, come quick! I just discovered a quilt-- here, near this pyramid!!”

There actually is archeological evidence of people using textiles as decoration in early vessels. As luck would have it, I found an old copy (from 1901!) of American Anthropologist that talks about just this topic:

Wow! Early embellishment on ceramics, using textiles! Folks, this sends me to the moon.  Now let’s fast forward and look at some stunning current vessel/textile combinations. The intriguing examples below were made by Barbara Schulman.

The first piece is titled "Artifact of Materialism" and is made of hand dyed industrial wool.  I added the detail shot to show you the embellishment: pieces of credit cards! Clever.  The others are titled "Quiescent Muse"  and "Lacemaker's Daughter" (both hand embroidered on industrial wool felt).  There's much more for your eyes to devour at her site, so  stop by and take a  look.

  

 

And how about Japanese furoshiki as "vessels"? There is even an African version, shown here.

 

So now we’ve come full circle—vessels made entirely of textiles! 

I want to pursue this idea.  I think it leads very nicely in to a basketry article.  What do you think? 

Have a great weekend, and remember to make time to create something!

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