In my art critique group's blog, Artery Art Group, Earl commented upon the 'touch' aspect of my textile art work. He wanted to touch it, like one touches his ceramics...
Textiles is a part of our daily- and nightly- lives...clothing touches us all of the time, and the urge to touch the art work is overwhelming. As I watched people looking at my work this weekend at South End Open Studios, I saw the same reaction...
But, like a painting or a sculpture, the human hand can damage, stain...just like we damage our own clothing by its constant use.
So, no you can't touch my work, but...
How do I deal with this primal urge?
I think I'm going to set up a 'touch' area next time, so that people can hold a sample, and touch it as much as they want....
What do you think? Is it necessary or unecessary?
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
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3 comments:
I think it's a great idea. Touching the muslin and the coating you use, feeling the fine network of threads would connect the viewer to the work in a corporal way. As you said, your work is visceral, so if there is a way to enhance the viewer's experience of it by using another sense, it would deepen the understanding.
Linda, I will plan to have a 'touch this' area during my next open studio and exhibit...and I love the idea of using 'touch', as you so beautifully wrote, to 'deepen the understanding' and meaning of the work. Thanks!
Laura,
I think that the touch area is an incredible idea. I didn't fully appreciate the touch aspect of appreciating art until I worked at a touchable art gallery for visually impaired visitors. Being able to experience the art with all of my senses really heightened my emotional reaction to it!
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