In the contemporary art world, applique is often lost in translation. Yet applique may be defined as decoration. Consider the fact that paintings, sculptures and visually unique installments are created for the exact same purpose: to send a message, adorn one’s home or represent personal taste. What better way to define the symbolism of applique?
Within the quilting community, some of the greatest inspiration comes from nature and the beauty surrounding us every day. Further, the attractiveness of applique is that it can draw from simple objects to create extraordinary works of art. A piece of fabric, a bit of cloth, these are the tools of the quilter’s design.
Perhaps it is the fact that quilts surround us on a daily basis. It is difficult to find a home that lacks one such labor of love. However, it becomes easy to forget the masterful stitches and every inch of care that are poured into one block.
Consider the fact that quilts are integrated into our daily lives and on a national level as well. The Smithsonian proudly displays quilt work from the Victorian era and beyond. Contemporary quilters are redefining applique in ways that challenge standard design.
Applique is also an intricate part of clothing and fabric design. Remember your letter jacket? Or the iron on patterns you so diligently pasted to those blank t-shirts? Art comes in a vast array of forms, so don’t forget that applique assuredly represents an important factor in the realm of artists and ingenious creators.