Christy Matson: Currents 38

Los Angeles-based artist Christy Matson creates woven pictures that explore memory and imagination through the layered history of textile production, advocating for sustainability. Her abstract, constantly evolving compositions resemble paintings but are deeply rooted in textile history. This volume showcases nearly 50 of her most recent works and is the first publication to explore her wide-ranging textile art.

Format: Hardback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Marquand Books Inc

Los Angeles-based artist Christy Matson, who was born in 1979, creates woven pictures that investigate memory and imagination by delving into the rich history of textile production. While advocating for sustainable issues, she works within a revived interest in craft practices. Matson's abstract, ever-evolving compositions resemble paintings but are firmly rooted in textile history. By employing a digital jacquard loom alongside traditional weaving techniques, she pays homage to centuries-old craftsmanship while also embracing a new approach to technology. Her works invite viewers to engage with textiles from the past in thoughtful and innovative ways. This volume, a part of the Milwaukee Art Museums Currents series, showcases nearly 50 of Matson's most recent works from the past five years. It is the first publication to delve into Matson's diverse textile art, marking a significant contribution to the field.

Introduction:
Christy Matson is a Los Angeles-based artist who has gained recognition for her innovative approach to textile art. Her works unite painterly abstraction, digital technology, and textile tactility, creating intricate and layered compositions that explore memory and imagination. Matson's abstract, constantly evolving compositions resemble paintings, yet they are deeply rooted in textile history. By employing a digital jacquard loom alongside traditional weaving techniques, she pays homage to centuries-old craftsmanship while also embracing a new approach to technology.
Layered History of Textile Production:
Matson's artistic practice is deeply influenced by the layered history of textile production. She draws inspiration from the techniques and materials used in weaving, embroidery, and other textile-based crafts. Through her work, she explores the relationship between memory and imagination, and how textiles can be used to evoke emotions and narratives.
Digital Jacquard Loom:
One of the key tools in Matson's artistic process is the digital jacquard loom. This machine allows her to create intricate patterns and designs with precise control over color and texture. By combining traditional weaving techniques with digital technology, Matson creates works that are both visually stunning and technically innovative.
Sustainable Advocacy:
In addition to her artistic practice, Matson is also an advocate for sustainable practices in the art world. She believes that artists have a responsibility to consider the environmental impact of their work and to promote sustainable practices within the industry. Matson's work often incorporates recycled materials and eco-friendly production methods, reflecting her commitment to sustainability.
Abstract Compositions:
Matson's abstract compositions are characterized by their intricate patterns and bold colors. She uses a range of techniques, including weaving, embroidery, and digital printing, to create works that are both visually striking and conceptually rich. Her compositions evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity, encouraging viewers to engage with the textural and visual elements of her work.
Viewer Engagement:
Matson's works invite viewers to engage with textiles of the past in thoughtful and innovative ways. She encourages viewers to touch and explore the textures of her work, and to consider the stories and memories that are woven into the fabric. Through her work, Matson seeks to create a sense of connection between the viewer and the textile, and to promote a deeper understanding of the role of textiles in our lives.
Conclusion:
Christy Matson's textile art is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. By merging traditional weaving techniques with digital technology, she has created works that are both visually stunning and conceptually rich. Matson's advocacy for sustainable practices and her commitment to promoting viewer engagement make her a leading figure in the contemporary art world. Through her work, she continues to explore the boundaries between art and textile, and to inspire a new generation of artists to embrace the potential of sustainable and innovative practices.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 250 x 202 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781646570195