Astrid Hilger Bennett
To me, successful art works in any medium are a balance of complex forms. Although visually abstract, my work is profoundly influenced by the natural world. In daily life, I practice active listening and observation. So, while my work does not tell stories, it is a refection of deeply immersive observations and preverbal experience. I am committed to sustainability and social justice issues as well as mentoring and giving back. When possible, I create work that has a dual purpose as both wall and functional art.
I use only my own handpainted, monoprinted fabrics in my work. I love the drag of a brush on fabric. A large-scale, exuberant canvas is thrilling. My recent works often add ink drawing to the mix. I juxtapose active forms with quiet, inward ones, motion with stillness. In music, the silence between notes is just as important as the notes themselves.
While I have always venerated and been inspired by the great brushwork traditions of China, Korea and Japan, my own mark making lexicon stems from a physical engagement between brush and surface and my immersion in a drawing practice.
As a musician, painting and printing fabrics is like playing an instrument or improvising, with an immediacy and dialog with process. Composers and musicians such as Shostakovich and the Silk Road Ensemble enable me to inhabit color. Recently, I have paired my Tarps and Scrolls with natural phenomena, using photography in short-term installations.
THOUGHTS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY
Until recently, making objects was the goal of art making, including not only functional items, but also wall art: prints, paintings, sculpture. Many of us learned well and created beautiful art objects. Over the decades, the conversations change. Having accumulated and created a lifetime of “things,” I now wonder in what ways I’m part of the sustainability problem. Do artists need to make so many “things”? Are there alternative ways to think about art pieces, accomplishments, and storage? This is an ongoing question. Art can be a powerful driver of change, and artists need to self examine. That means telling the stories of how we as a culture can be better than we are, showing us the vision.
Is making functional art radical in our times? Some say yes! In pre-industrial times, artists and craftspeople were vital and valued.
At this juncture, I’ve decided that all of my larger finished pieces must also be functional. In some dystopian future, they can be used for shelter or warmth, or they can be used up now. Community and mentoring is also part of the mix. Although it is difficult to switch over my entire practice to natural dyes, I now use them half the time.
Learn more about my adventures with natural dyes and my community indigo vat here on this website..
BIO
Trained as a printmaker, my interest in fiber art and “making things” began in childhood. I have a family heritage in music, printmaking, as well as business. I received my BFA in printmaking from Indiana University and have exhibited and taught at various locations throughout the country. I’ve also been a cultural and small business advocate, serving as longtime manager, marketing director & co-owner of Iowa Artisans Gallery in Iowa City. I also currently serve as President of the international contemporary textile nonprofit, Surface Design Association.
LEARN MORE
Instagram: visit me!
Textile Talks, 2020 onward: I’ve been moderating Textile Talks for Surface Design Association, now available on the YouTube Textile Talks play list or on the Surface Design Association website. Started during the Pandemic lockdown, Textile Talks are weekly hour-long presentations sponsored by 4 national nonprofits that attract 400-600 audience members at a time from all over the world.
April 2018: Read a two-part interview between Clara Nartey and me about the business of being a textile artist. Part One discusses my background and inspiration. Part Two discusses good marketing practices when dealing with galleries and more. Also visit this YouTube link for a short inspirational video.
2017: Quilt National Interview, a short video.
2015: Quilt National Interview, a short video.
