Metaphors on Aging  Juror's and Curator's Statements

CURATOR

In this selection of art quilts for Metaphors on Aging, it’s quite easy to realize that these works have reached beyond the realm of traditional bed quilts and accomplished the artists’ desire to create art.

The theme of aging challenged the artists to delve into human emotions: growing up and old; becoming enlightened or forgetting; suffering disease, decay and loss; reflecting on, rejecting or clinging to objects; celebrating life and family. The works range from photo- realism to abstract, with most balancing in between. Muted tones, signifying sadness or regret, contrast with joyful splashes of color. Lines run from tight and restrictive to loosely dancing, weaving dreams throughout the exhibition.

It doesn’t matter if these works are on three layers of cloth, made with paper, plastic or wire, or include canvas and paint. They may have started out as quilts, but they have become art in its purest sense.

The exhibition is alive with reflections on aging in all its phases. These works touch the viewer, enrich their understanding, and make them laugh or cry. What more could artists ask of their work?

— Mary McBride, Curator

Mary McBride exhibits her work in museums, galleries, art centers and in art festivals. Mary worked as a community arts manager for eight years at Atlantic Center for the Arts before becoming curator for Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach. Her passion is promoting exhibitions of international fiber artwork.

JUROR:

We received over 150 examples of individual interpretations of the theme. I had expected most of the pieces to address the subject of growing old; however, there were many comments on the several stages of life, from infancy to elderly. It was difficult to choose only 35 works of art. And of course, a juror, just like any other person, carries her own personal preferences and biases. Nevertheless, I tried hard to be objective, all-inclusive, and broadminded in my choices; I tried to understand the artists’ intent rather than relying solely on my own personal taste.

These were the questions going through my mind while making my decisions:

Is the artist pursuing a meaningful and personal vision? No one could be more personal in her expression than Susan Shie with her unique air-penned records of real people and real events. We are compelled to come closer and read the history embedded in her images.

What has the artist done to convince me of her intent? Susie Monday leaves no doubt about the joy she feels for life. Her Milagros 2 (Miracle) is packed with symbols of childhood, travel (through life?) and celestial enigmas. The exuberant surface design, color, and tumultuous placement of symbols leaves one with a feeling of exhilaration and hope.

Does the work offer visual surprises and interesting variations? Meredith Grimsley’s comments on giving birth are extremely beautiful images that on closer examination reveal a wonderful use of thread. With stitching and wrapping she is creating patterns and movement. What do they mean? Perhaps that we are tethered by our biological destiny?

Is the work taking advantage of the unique characteristics of our fabric medium? Mary Pal uses humble cheesecloth on black to create remarkable portraits of the elderly. She seems to “build” the form by close observation of the values in the composition. Her choice of fabric is perfect, mimicking the sagging wrinkles of old age. Yet a softness in the material suggests a sympathy for the subject.

The exhibition is necessarily diverse in style but united in subject matter. I found the explorations of all the candidates to be thoughtful, well executed, and in some cases profound. I hope my selections will give visitors as much pleasure and food for thought as they did me.

— Pamela Allen, Juror

Thirty plus years ago, PamelaAllen quit her job, went to art school (something she had always wanted to do!) and then spent her days in the studio painting, decoupaging, collaging, assembling, carving and, most recently, making funky art from fabric. After years of teaching art in schools, she has become a well-known international art quilter with impressive show credentials and many awards.