An artist is someone with creativity, inspiration, and a singular vision. Are those traits limited to “fine” mediums? Who decides who gets to be an artist? In this episode of Borderscapes, ‘Between Fiber and Art,’ host Maria McCoy explores why weavers have been blocked out of the fine art world.

Drawing a line between art and craft causes problems. For one, it slights women. Fiber practices, including weaving, knitting, and sewing, are not only categorized as craft, but as “women’s work.” Dismissing them discounts passionate women makers, a few of whom you’ll meet as a guest of the East Sussex Guild of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers.

Beyond that, a border between art and craft is just too limiting. Philip Sanderson, studio leader at West Dean Tapestry Studio, explains how tapestry weaving doesn’t fit squarely in either category.

So, can this border be dismantled? Listen in to find out!

Credits:

Our original Music is by The Umamies, find them @the_umamies on Instagram.

The season 5 logo is by Maria McCoy and the episode art is by Ifrah Faheem.

Other sounds:

Carnival and Crowd Ambiance by Ev-Dawg. License: Creative Commons 0 

Soundwalk_IowaCity.wav by djangoman11. License: Creative Commons 0

More information:

Find your local guild through the Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners, and Dyers (UK). 

Read more about gender and artistic mediums in Lizzie Pook’s article for Stylist.