Artist and master colorist Michael James
1st Jul. '06 • Category: Art & Design , Category: Creativity & Craft • Tags: art, artists, crafts, fiber-arts, quilting
Authored by Kate Smith
Michael James, a world-renowned quilt artist, has a well-honed sense of color that is expressed in each of his quilts.
Examples of his quilts are included in the collections of the Smithsonian Institute, the American Craft Museum, and the International Quilt Study Center.
Michael left painting behind to pursue artistic expression through quilt-making. A bold move into a medium that wasn’t, at that point, considered art and was traditionally thought to be a female pursuit.
Following his passion paid off, as Michael has not only produced an amazing body of work, but has also been credited with almost singlehandedly moving quilts from home craft into the world of fine art.
The quilt pictured here is an example of the style that he is most recognized for.
Many years ago, as a students in one of his workshops, I had what I consider to be one of my great “color moments.”
Each student had painted a color wheel that included twelve colors that resonated with themselves, personally. Michael picked my palette out from a wall full of wheels and commented that whoever painted it had a “sophistocated sense of color.”
What unexpected and wonderful recognition from the master himself! A fascinating artist that has often ruffled the feathers of fellow artists and quilters with his views, Michael continues to push himself and his art beyond accepted boundaries.
In the last few years, his art has undergone a radical shift, and you can view his current work on his website.
If you’re interested in learning more about Michael and his art, there is a book that includes a look at many of the earlier quilts that I recommend: Michael James: Art and Inspiration
Photos from the Smithsonian Institutes’s Renwick Gallery website.
