Customer Gem - Susan Bianchi

Susan Bianchi - Liberty Marches

Recently there has been a lot of internet angst over a fiber art exhibit called Threads of Resistance. I have no intention to get into any discussion or to share my thoughts about the concept or the exhibit but I am excited to share this piece that was juried into the exhibit.

I'm excited to share it for 2 reasons. Of course, primarily it's because Susan Bianchi used the Gray Skies gradient for her background. But I'm also excited to share what I consider to be an unusually well-done piece of protest art. I understand the visceral need of artists to create art that speaks about their opinions on current issues but, honestly, I think that most of it is crudely made and crudely messaged. I don't mean crude, like crude language. I simply mean poorly done with screaming messages and none of it actually influences anyone. Most of it serves to further entrench people into their existing believes. There's no room for dialogue in most protest art. That is not the case with this piece.

This quilt draws you in with, at first, subtle messages but you have to take a closer look to get all of the meaning in this piece. Regardless of how you feel about her message you've got to admit that the piece is brilliantly done. She writes about the making of this piece on her blog. Check out her website while you are there to see more of her work. I believe that she printed her images directly to the gradient fabric and then wove the piece. I'm very happy that she chose to share it with us!