The book we
had out for the audience to write in at ‘Lace at the edge’, our exhibition at
the Knitting and Stitching Show last week, is full of interesting comments.
Many say they thought the work was stunning, fascinating, inspiring or
beautiful, which is always encouraging to hear. Others are more informative and
comment on the ideas behind the work, the textures and techniques. But I think
my favourite is ‘Wonderful exhibition – I’m glad that I took the time to read
the labels, it made all the difference’, mainly because that was how I
approached the exhibition. I wanted to make work that would look beautiful from
a distance, so would be interesting to those passing by, but would have a
deeper message for those who took the time to engage with it and find the
stories hidden within the folds of the veils. Another aim was to show people
that lace can be used as textile art and carry a deeper message - it isn’t just
a decorative technique. I know I achieved that with many people who spoke to me
about the work and I lost count of those who stopped to say how nice it was to
see lace being displayed at the Knitting and Stitching Show.
2 comments:
I have long felt that it is important for art/craft that expresses a message to have some brief explanation about the meaning as a starting point for the viewer to begin the journey that the artist has travelled in creating the pieces. As you note from your the comments in your book when people look as well as engage with work it is more satisfying for all concerned.
It is much more interesting for the visitor if they can engage more fully with the work but as I expressed in my blog it's difficult to know how much to include on the label. That's why it's great to have the oportunity to talk to people in the gallery space.
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