Answers to an author writing about knitting and art.

Subject: quick question

Hi Mim- I am finally writing about knitting and art...and I have a
question for you....the chapter is wrapped around the conflict of art
vs craft, and I was wondering how you came down on this? What are
your thoughts about your work as knitted (traditionally a craft) and
yet art. And I was wondering how you feel when people have to put the
word "fiber" before "artist when they speak of your work....ok, more
than one question....thanks-M



Hi M,
Hmmm....Those are interesting questions. Let me see how I can answer them. My background is in printmaking and painting, which has grown to sculpture, and installation. I have used alternative methods and materials in many of these such as sewing, fabric, screen and paper. I have always thought of it as my art work no matter what the medium was. Each idea called for a certain media to be used and I let the inspration lead me. I haven't gotton too involved with definitions of craft and art. In my recent work, I have used knitting and crocheting to express ideas. It has been a wonderful way to create three dimensional objects which are volumetric and translucent.

My early idea about craft was that it was rooted in function, not so much technique and material. Two publications I subscribe to are Surface Design and American Craft. They contain what I see as some of the most intersting work being done today. The world of fine craft has expanded to include a wide range of techniques, and subject matter. I use techniques; knitting, crocheting, and materials; yarn, tulle, fabric, that may have their origins in functional craft and hand work. But, like so many artists today, I am using these methods to create something larger and outside of the restrictins of yesterday's definition of craft. The current definition of fine craft seems to include an astonishing array of high quality work. The lines between fine art and craft seem to have become very blurry.

It seems that artists have become interested in many of the traditional 'craft' techniques. I have seen this as an interesting movement back toward craftsmanship and handwork. Interestingly a recent exhibit I was in, "Unusual Twist, Artists who Knit Crochet and Embroider", received the highest attendance of any recent shows at the venue. It seems that artists and art lovers are both very interested in this 'art-craft' cross pollination.

Fiber art. Hmmm.... I don't really see myself as a fiber artist. I happen to be currently using fiber in my work, but I am not producing the fiber itself i.e. spinning, weaving. I am using fabric that has already been made. I don't have a strong objection to being called a fiber artist in relation to the current work, but see it as a limiting definition that doesn't accurately encompass the many things I do.

I hope this answers your questions. They were interesting questions to ponder and have given me food for thought.
Thanks!

All my best,
Mimi

Mimi Czajka Graminski
mimigraminski.com
mimigraminski.blogspot.com
myartspace.com/mimigraminski

Fall into Winter
Check out the 5 x 7 Exhibit at the Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild, 34 Tinker St. in Woodstock,NY. I have one piece in what promises to be a fun show. The opening is Friday December 5th 5-7.
I am continuing to work on sewn drawings in my studio and have begun a new installation which will be in a solo show at R&F Encaustics in the Spring. I have been watching flocks of birds, many flying south, others flocking from tree to tree.
Their timing and perfection in synchronizing their movements always fascinates me.

There is an interesting exhbit in Hudson NY at Nicole Fiacco Gallery. The artist is Linda Horn who has created a stunning installation with her mixed media pieces.

OPEN STUDIO October 18 and 19

This weekend I will opening my studio along with several other artists in the region.
Please join me from 11-5 on Saturday and Sunday 18th and 19th. I will be showing new sewn drawings and an abbreviated version of a new installation. There will also be work available for purchase. The open studio is in association with an exciting new group called Art Sudio Views. The website is www.artsnortherndutchess.org.

Knit Cones

Fall 2008

*******FALL ART EVENTS*********

Unusual Twist: Artists Knit, Crochet and Embroider
>*OPENING* October 11, 4-6
Spencertown Academy, 790 Route 203, Spencertown,NY 518-392-3693
October 11-November 16
spencertownacademy.org

ART STUDIO VIEWS *STUDIO TOUR*
October 18 & 19 11am-5pm
13 Elm St., Red Hook, NY

ARTSWALK Hudson,New York
Waves on Windows Two blocks of art in the windows curated by Gregory
Kepinski.
My work will be at: Mark McDonald Design *555 WARREN STREET* Hudson,NY
October 10-13


MODEST IN SCALE September 10-November 10
Abecedarian Gallery Denver,Colorado
abecedariangallery.com

Interweavings Exhibit in Denver, Colorado

I was recently invited to participate in an exhibition at Abecedarian Gallery in Denver, Colorado. www.abecedariangallery.com The exhibit will take place during the Democratic National Convention.

abecedarian Gallery Denver, Colorado
Interweavings August 1 - September 13
Interweavings - an exhibition featuring work crafted by artists who utilize fiber materials and techniques in their creation of drawings and artists’ books.

I will show 16 sewn drawings titled "Interior Landscapes". One of these is posted below.

Sewn drawing series, 2