Fiber Art

While many contemporary artists are choosing to use the latest techniques to create new works, there are also some that are choosing to use the historic tradition of fiber art in constructing a new piece. Fiber art uses fabric and sewing techniques rather than the traditional painting model of applying a colored substance on a base. The technique of making fiber art produces a largely different product, both in the fine art sense and for more functional art pieces.

There is some debate over whether fiber art is considered to be one of the fine arts. Some art experts contend that pieces that follow a pattern should not be considered to be fine art while the others that are unique creations do deserve the fine art label. Several people involved in fiber art, including Anni Albers and Sheila Hicks, are considered to be true artists and their works are thought to reside in the fine art realm.