Textile Portraits
People and Place in Textile Art
Anne Kelly
Batsford
What can a portrait be? Often when we hear the word, we think of a styled self portrait, something achieved by a fine artist, or something special we may get done by a street artist on a holiday.
This title really provides what I discern as a joyous insight into the subject in such a three dimensional way, its a really flurry of frivolity to behold in my hands.
We here are not just uncovering a mass of similar imagery on the faces of humans. It also covers pets as well as other animals we are assured to love - i.e. Karen Nichol and her birds are featured within this chapter.
Kelly has not been stingy or selfish, she has brought to light and truly endeavoured to celebrate the work of so many others; I would be scared to begin mentioning names, however this book really provides the creme’ without any judgement from myself that we have seen it all before. If you wish to learn about all of the artists who are included just peel to the back and check out Kellys well presented list.
A portrait, as Kelly evidences, can be so much more than an exact representation. From dolls, to nature, to stories and the narratives of others….tick tick tick.
This book is set to make you think, although Anne within the conclusion admits that this subject matter can be a difficult one to tackle, it is not impossible. I agree with her words, as within the book she provides such variety, none of us could say we cant ever at least try to explore this genre.
Oh, and I dare you not to envy her studio, well flourished by such alluring and delightful photography.