Our July Featured Artist of the Month, fiber artist Linda Colsh, draws on her life as an American expat in Europe and Asia to create works from fabric and paper that are layered, stitched, and altered with paint, stain, and die. She frequently explores the themes of people growing old, the environment, and movement of people between cultures.
Read on for an interview with Linda, where she discusses her process and inspiration.
The artist narrates like a storyteller, reports like journalist, and comments like an op-ed writer.
What is your artistic background?
I have been making art for as long as I can remember. I like to have a brush or squeegee in my hand and paints on my worktable. My B.A and M.A. are in art history. I continue to read about and look at the work of other artists. Fiber art has been my medium of choice for more than 40 years.
What are your favorite materials to work with/types of items to make?
Fabric and paper, paint, ink, and thread are my favorite materials. Used coffee filters call to mind memories of sharing conversations over hot cups of coffee with friends. I particularly enjoy altering and repurposing the filter papers. Most of my work is wall-hung. However, since 2018, I have also been exploring 3-dimensional forms: soft tangles and scroll book forms.
From where do you draw your inspiration?
I lived overseas for 26 years. On urban streets in Asia and Europe, I photographed people who caught my eye. Now, I live in a rural country valley. I’m inspired by the nature around me on my walks along creeks, in forests and through farm fields, but the people of urban streets still echo throughout my work.
What is your creative process like?
My work relies on creating layers. Starting with plain fabric or paper, I paint and stain multiple thin layers with acrylic paint and ink. I screenprint on these surfaces and then layer with collage and stitch.
What is the most rewarding thing about your practice?
The act of making is my reward and appreciation by those who see my work completes that reward. I’m fortunate to have a vast memory bank of subject matter to draw on for my art—my workbooks and files overflow with words, images and ideas.
And what challenges do you face as an artist?
What I say over and over to myself is: keep it simple. The challenge comes in knowing what is just right, not too much or too little. I learn more with every piece I make.
Outside of your practice, do you do any other creative activities/what are your interests?
I walk every day. The thinking time while I walk is part of my creative process. In fact, any time I can let my mind wander is creative activity.
What role does the artist have in society?
The artist narrates like a storyteller, reports like journalist, and comments like an op-ed writer.
What is art/craft to you?
I think of craft as the process of making art and art is my life.
Tell us about your favorite artist or artists that inspire you.
The answer changes all the time as I read and look at the art of other artists. However, elements of my work were shaped by looking at Sam Gilliam’s canvas staining, the zips of Barnett Newman, Sheila Hicks’ minimes, Andy Warhol’s screenprints, and the brush strokes of Fabienne Verdier.
You can find a selection of Linda’s work in our Store at 5645 Butler Street, and you can find Linda on Instagram @lcolsh. You can also learn more about Linda at www.lindacolsh.com.
