OBJECTS OF ART

© Denise Vanderlugt

Ozquilt Network Newsletter #35, MARCH 2000

In response to Margaret Rolfe's thought provoking article 'The Art in Quilts', Ozquilt Network Issue #34 December 1999, I would like to suggest another point of view, and that is, it is not the maker's position to claim the quilts they produce are 'art'. We have all heard that line ... "I don't know anything about art, but I know what I like."

Only when a quilt is viewed by those, other than its maker, does it have the possibility of becoming art. When someone looks at a piece and is truly touched by it, that is the moment it becomes art. You have given that person a gift, either something they have never known or something they have forgotten. You the maker have jogged their memory.

The tradition of quiltmaking is function, to keep the body warm. Humans with their lateral minds have devised other ways of keeping the body warm, so in the process of cultivating sophisticated societies, and having the financial freedom to do so, hang quilts on walls as objects of art.

Some quilts made with the most traditional intention to put on a bed, to keep the body warm, no more, no, less, can be works of art ... some are not. There are art quilts made with all the intention of producing a work of art, but they do not succeed as art, although some do.

Poor old Van Gogh wasn't making art, he was painting pictures. Unfortunately for him, not enough people were touched by his work to make a difference during his lifetime. His brother was lousy at marketing and his own networking skills probably were not too good either. The paintings he made have been judged by time, with countless officials to explain to us why we should now consider them as 'art'.

So it's those folk who come to quilt shows, who have their moment of connection with our work, those who know what they like, that is when our quilt become art. Our job as makers of quilts is to put as much of ourselves, our opinions, our knowledge, enthusiasm and integrity into every quilt we make, and above all, stay open-minded to other quiltmakers' expressions. If the world at large enjoys what we have to say, we are probably making art and not just objects. If they do not like what we do, so be it. We are still involved in the 'art' of quiltmaking.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak to members of my feelings about where we quiltmakers are placed in the art world. As I am married to a sculptor, we have many friends who paint in all media, sculpt, make prints, and work in all aspects of the visual arts. I know they are only words, but most do not refer to what they do as art. This is the basis of my opinion.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) For art quilts purchased in Australia, a Goods and Services Tax (GST) is applicable to those items labelled "includes 10% GST".

For international purchases, the GST is only applicable to those items labelled "includes 10% GST" and where a quilt is purchased and not delivered within 60 days of the date of purchase.