MEDIUM
Fabric collage is a bridge between painting and sculpture. It has dimension. When I cut a piece of upholstery fabric, layer it over other fabrics, and roughen up the raw edge to expose the various threads, I have created sculpture. Conversely, I apply color with fabric and thread akin to what a painter does with brush or palette knife. Some have likened my work to “painting with fabric”. But that only tells half of the story. The fabric itself actually gives something I could not achieve with paint. Each fabric has its own texture, weave, sheen and reflectivity. These add a depth and richness integral to my work. This allows my work to glow and reflect light in a unique way.
MATERIALS
People are attracted to fabric. Whether on an
emotional level (“My grandmother used to sew a lot”) or a more
physical level (fabric is tactile and pleasing), people relate to my fabric
collages in a personal way.
I use all fabrics – cotton, silk, tulle,
linen, wool, burlap, and blends. When I can’t find just the right
fabric, I will dye or paint it myself. I also use many “recycled”
fabrics. Sometimes it means cutting up discarded clothing. In addition,
I have arrangements with representatives of several commercial fabric
companies. I “recycle” their fabric samples after those fabric
lines have been discontinued. Besides being pleased with the opportunity
to recycle materials, the upholstery fabrics tend to have a lot of texture
and provide a contrast to the smoother cottons and silks I also use.
SELECTION
Whether abstract or realistic, it is important
that my images are strong, bold and vibrant. In my landscapes I limit
the subject matter to its most basic elements — rocks and water,
rock and sky, sand and sea. I strive to distill a place to its essence.
Each piece of fabric must contribute to creating that sense of place.
One by one I hand cut tiny pieces of fabric. Then they must audition on
my design wall. When I am happy with the overall effect, I sew them into
the collage. It is a slow but rewarding process.
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©2002 Merle Axelrad Serlin
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