Only recently have I learned about Lois Smith, a famed quilter. A friend mentioned her name to me and I ended up going to see her work at Glenview Mansion in Rockville, MD. How have I not known about her work before?!
Her stunning quilts are showcased at an exhibition called "Lois Smith & Friends" until July 29, 2016. Yes, I know it's coming up so rush over there! As a designer, I have great appreciation for what artists can do with fabrics. I create my own textiles but constantly seek inspiration for new creations. And what better way than to see somebody else's view of the world and how they incorporate it into their own work?
So, let's take a closer look at Smith's quilts. The exhibition has a nice selection. And while they are all imaginative, I would group them into two groups: quilts with identifiable objects, like the beautiful bird one below, and quilts that use abstract shapes to convey Smith's artistic views of composition and color. I was totally mesmerized by the example below. The amount of work that must have gone into creating this large quilt - I cannot even imagine. The quilt is incredibly detailed with hundreds of fabric swatches and precise top-stitching. The workmanship supports the striking scene depicted - the birds in motion with their wings spread out. It's like poetry in textile!
Her stunning quilts are showcased at an exhibition called "Lois Smith & Friends" until July 29, 2016. Yes, I know it's coming up so rush over there! As a designer, I have great appreciation for what artists can do with fabrics. I create my own textiles but constantly seek inspiration for new creations. And what better way than to see somebody else's view of the world and how they incorporate it into their own work?
So, let's take a closer look at Smith's quilts. The exhibition has a nice selection. And while they are all imaginative, I would group them into two groups: quilts with identifiable objects, like the beautiful bird one below, and quilts that use abstract shapes to convey Smith's artistic views of composition and color. I was totally mesmerized by the example below. The amount of work that must have gone into creating this large quilt - I cannot even imagine. The quilt is incredibly detailed with hundreds of fabric swatches and precise top-stitching. The workmanship supports the striking scene depicted - the birds in motion with their wings spread out. It's like poetry in textile!
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Here is another example of a quilt with identifiable objects. Yet, how dreamlike and poetic! I love the color scheme - the muted browns turn into fiery reds and intense blues. And then you walk up closer to the quilt and find a child resting on the beach!
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Smith's abstract work is of note as well. I love art and art history and looking at the quilts below was like being at a top-notch gallery with art by, for instance, Wassily Kandinsky. Smith has a strong sense of composition and works with fabric swatches to guide your eye all over the quilt yet bringing you in to appreciate the details.
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The Glenview Mansion's Art Gallery also highlights wonderful works by Smith's fellow quilters. What amazing variety of workmanship! I like the idea of artists' works to be showcased together so one can appreciate the individuality they bring in and at the same time learn about what the community of quilters has in common.
 Amanda Ford |  Myania Moses |  Luanne Lindeman |
As mentioned earlier, this noteworthy exhibition is closing soon. I highly recommend you stroll through the lovely exhibition halls and pause to admire the imagination and hard work that went into each of these pieces of art. I have certainly gained a huge appreciation of quilts!