Mixed Media Textile Art in Three Dimensions by Ann Goddard
Using natural resources as a constant tap of inspiration, artist Ann Goddard envelops us in a wholesome and educational hug. I personally enjoyed the suggestions she dots throughout this book; ideas for us to be inspired by, yet not feel the need to copy exactly. From leaves to in depth studies of even stitching into concrete, this book proves a wonderful showcase of Goddard’s artistic prowess.
As a working artist, I often find myself at a loss when endeavouring to explain my own practice. On page six, I was taken by the expressive simplistic nature of her bullet point list, compiling eight one line descriptions of the ‘type of art’ she develops. Oh if only I could capsulate my own in this form. I like the way on page seven she titles a paragraph divide with ‘My hybrid practice’, then goes on to describe why this is so. Her work is addictive to read and look at, I personally find myself questioning how she has achieved each result, as its not an obvious or simple answer.
This hardbound tactile tome also exhibits the work of other like-minded artists, such as Nerissa Cargill Thompson, who creates visual vocal messages through her ecologically inspired art works. Another artist brought to light is Elizabeth Couzins Scott. I found her practice exciting to both read and look over, as she originally studied 3D Design in Ceramics, which may seem like a distance away from textile art. However upon perusal of her sculptural art, its marriage between textiles and ceramics is obvious and more importantly, is successful. It must be a joy as an artist, to not only write a book, which allows your own work to glean its credit which is so deserving, but also be in the position to pick and choose artists to essentially, generously take along for the ride. Note that Goddard too ‘originally studied art with a focus in ceramics’. Maybe that is why she chose to use Scott’s work, she appreciates the connection between media types.
Who will be interested in reading Mixed Media Textile Art by Ann Goddard? Due to its deep message focusing on the important environmental structures which should be of vital import to us all, this book will attract both the usual suspects textile art wise and those even studying geography and scientific concepts. She herself hopes that this book will appeal to anyone who is interested in the alternative approaches to textiles as a practice. She mentions visual excitement - I can understand why she gets this even herself from the actioning of her brand of textile art, if we can bracket it or title it as that - really though it is so much more than befitting one genre.