Tapestry Talking
Tapestry Talking
Understanding the Language of Handwoven Art with 326 works from around the world
Micala Sidore
Schiffer Publishing
Introduction
Tapestry, we see it literally woven through the fabric of our lives. Maybe the seat cover we sit on, the sofa we rest on, the historical pastime of a loved one. Its silent presence is at times subtle, taken for granted, yet think about it and you will notice its existence all around you.
The book has been brought together
In the Acknowledgements, she nods to all those included, who without, she could not be where she is. This title has been again using the term here “woven” by not simply her own hand - yet she has obvious creative control and a well written visual tongue.
What this book is about\
Her first title The Art is The Cloth, really delved into showing an audience, is what could be seen in the world of Tapestry. This book has a different focus, changes focus to techniques, each chapter documenting a certain one, with visual evidence to relate to. For example, chapter titles include Yarn, Grid and Sett.
Who is the book for
The aim is to grab a readership - so this book is for both non-weavers and weavers to enjoy. This is not as she tells us in the Preface, a ‘How-to’ book. This is about process, the why, the reason weavers create and process methods they do. This understanding is key to appreciation, when we ‘get it’ then we can consider its worth and place in our lives.
I personally see it as a window into possibilities - suddenly weaving is more than living room bound, it’s a cultural phenomenon.
Michaela Sidore in her own words
“Words, conversation, poems and literature all inspire me. I am most at ease in the realm of language. This translates into visual imagery that, at its most effective, provokes the viewer to reflect on what the tapestry tells them. Sometimes, the tapestry teaches something about the process of weaving.”
The set up
The start of each chapter explains the title, for example ‘Weft’ (see page 67). Examples as to traditional, contemporary and the unusual are displayed in each chapter to explain the term.
The examples are by a multitude of artists; I found myself always visually alert as I read on, as we are not fed a similarity - it chops and changes constantly.
What this book will do for you
Two words - appreciate and respect.
You might not begin a career in weaving, but you will look at life differently. You will see the woven where you once saw cloth. Please read it to take it in.
