More textile artists are using photos in their work today as current technology makes it such a natural fit to combine the mediums. Some of us were quick to appreciate the new duo but as usual, some remain naysayers. Of course, there are always those less willing to accept the new kids on the block, so I’m happy to do my part at spreading the glories! I had every intention of entering something in this year’s exhibit at The Whistler but I never got to it. I did, however,very much enjoyed attending the event!
One such textile artist who uses photos in her work textiles is the talented Jill Kerttula, who attended last week’s artist reception for the” Out Of The Blue” Exhibit at The Whistler House and Museum. My favorite of the two of her works there is “Willows Revisited”: 
Also there was one of my favorite people, Mary Ellen Latino and her “Travel Muse: La Manana” :
Of course Wen Redmond’s “Trees Singing” hung with pride although she was too busy in New Hampshire to attend:
Much better photos of these and other stunning quilts in this fabulous exhibit can be seen on the Whistler House website. Not a bad representation – 3 out of the 17 artists used photographs in their works.
Don’t forget to hop over to see what Nina Marie has to say today! Check her out here.
Turtlemoon Impressions 
I don’t believe that your first sentence is a true assumption to make of all textile artists, especially when you realize the vast array of techniques used in embroidery, weaving, basketry and multi media. While I respect and admire those artists who choose to use photography in their work, not only do I not, I know countless numbers of artists who do not and use many other different techniques in their work. We have enough trouble dodging the categories we are thrown into by working with a medium that is often not accepted as fine art, I don’t think we need to further divide ourselves. Engaging work by all in your article but by all means not the only trick in town.
Nancy Turbitt
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Nancy, I’m happy for any comments, but I’m having trouble understanding what you’re saying. My first sentence is “More textile artists are using photos in their work today as current technology makes it such a natural fit to combine the mediums. ” I don’t see anything that says all textile artists use photos. And I can’t find a word that divides us or speaks to any exclusiveness. I’m simply saying that the numbers of folks using photos in fiber art is growing. And that some appreciate this more than others. What is it that offends you? I stated a couple of facts, not assumptions about a wider group of artists. Please re-read what I said.
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The work you show is wonderful, as are your own pieces I’ve seen. I’m not a fan of simply stitching over a photo on fabric like paint by number or printing on fabric and quilting over it which seem too much of a craft skill than art. I am a fan of an artist using their own photography as an element in their composition as you have shown here. I enjoyed the on line photos of the fiber exhibit at the Muskegon Museum but specifically I liked the written commentary about how fiber is fitting into today’s fine art spectrum. We fiber artists need to be willing to stretch and not be boxed into perceived ideas about what we do.
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I’m with you, Janice, on the paint by number aspect of how some use photos. On the other hand, I do see the works of Patricia Kennedy-Zafred as wonderful, fiber collage art. Thanks for the thoughtful comment!
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I love to see new creative ways that some of the textile artists use photographs in their art.
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Glad to hear it, Regina! Given so many new products today, many aspects of making art have changed dramatically. I remember the hoopla when acrylic paints were first introduced. Today, people are shocked when I tell them I put fabric through my printer.
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