Book Review – Interpreting Themes in Textile Art

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Ailish Henderson

Editor in Chief at Mr X Stitch

As a freelance artist, designer, lecturer and tutor (how do I narrow down that description?!)I have been contracted by numerous arts organizations to provide Talks, Workshops’ and Masterclasses’ in Textiles, Print Making and Fine Art subjects.  These include branches of the Embroiderers’ Guild, Textile Study Groups and The Women’s Institute.  Every year I teach at The Knitting and Stitching shows and exhibit with the Artist in Action stand.Currently I am building up to my exhibition at The Spring Knitting and Stitching Show at Olympia, London this spring; having also written articles or had work illustrated in Stitch, Inspired, Embroidery, Selvedge, Daphne’s Diary, Prima (online), Cloth Paper Scissors and the Batsford book ‘Be Creative with Textile Art.'

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Interpreting Themes in Textile Art, written by Els Van Baarle and Cherilyn Martin , is classed as an inspirational and practical book focused on interpreting the themes we see in textile art.  Is this the one for you?

Introduction

This book as a collective piece, showcases the work produced by the authors and explores their own favoured starting points; what inspires them to create as they do.  Six themes have been chosen and illustrated through the book, each with their own stating point and potential to grow.  Yet will it inspire us?  21

Who is the book for?

Interest in textiles is an obvious requirement.  Are you stuck for ideas?  Then maybe this will help, depending on the things which inspire you personally.  Although you would not have to have masses of experience to appreciate this book, it is certainly directed for more than the interested beginner….

Content

At around 128 pages, there’s plenty to view.  As mentioned, the book is divided into sections for ease of access:

What makes it special?

Highlights

Although the book has limited themes, is does not lack in colour and content.  A wide range of artistic styles are conveyed through the illustrations.  In the chapter on memory, Cherilyn demonstrates how old fabrics and textiles can be recycled to include your own stitched drawings.

Not just an artists plug of their work, projects are put out for us to try ourselves and “interpret”.

Photography

See Also

Book Review – Darning by Hikaru Noguchi

What is wrong with the book?

Although a wide range of ideas are shown, the book does have some boundaries and focuses on what inspired the authors, thus it can come across as niche at times thematically.

However we are led through exploring their chosen themes:

Conclusion

Overall this is a great example of a Batsford published book; it is one to have on the shelf and turn to as required and could work well for those studying textiles, especially is they are specialising in one of the themes covered.

Find your copy here in our Amazon store.