Tony Dyer, well known Melbourne textile artist and lecturer, writes about selecting quilts for Australian Quilts In Public Places 1999.

Ozquilt Network Newsletter Issue #34 DECEMBER 1999

When making a selection of what quilts to include and omit from this juried exhibition there were several issues that had to be considered.

The quality of the slides submitted, including - even lighting, framing the work, unnecessary objects in the picture and clarity of image. All these aspects help to convey a strong, clear image and impression of the quilt.

Aspects such as the selection and effective use of elements of art and principles of design were also noted.

Technical proficiency and application within each work (as could be observed from the total image and particularly from the detail).

Originality, individuality and innovation of design and technique.

The selection process for this particular exhibition also considered the theme 'For Women By Women' and the venue of the Queen Victoria Women's Centre, 210 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Victoria. Interpretations of the theme were varied and because some were marginal in their links were not rejected for that reason. I felt that the theme could be interpreted very broadly.

Design and drafting of figurative images in some quilts did raise some concerns which detracted from the technical and artistic qualities of the work.

It was also important to consider the individuality of the design, fabric selection and use, colour application, construction and stitch technique. It was pleasing to note that several submissions included substantial colouration of their fabrics which added to the individuality of their work.

It was also noted that extreme care needs to be taken when using commercial fabrics which draw upon specific designs and colours of other cultures. The use of these fabrics may create interesting patterns and unity of design but are not the original work of the artist creating the quilt. Not every quiltmaker uses fabrics which they have personally created themselves, but use of fabrics which reflect another's culture must either be avoided or used with extreme sensitivity and the approval of that culture.

The variety of image, colour and form combined with the diversity of quilting techniques will hopefully contribute to the success of this exhibition.

© Tony Dyer 1999

Thanks to the Australian Quilters Association Inc for permission to publish this article which first appeared in their newsletter, The Quilters Patch, No. 216.