Birth of SoCal Fiber: Artists, Institutions and Influences in the 1960s -1980s

Live-streamed: SEPTEMBER 4, 2020

To celebrate Textile Month 2020, please join the Craft in America Center, in collaboration with Textile Arts LA, for a talk with textile artists Jim Bassler and Carol Shaw-Sutton, moderated by Center Director Emily Zaiden.

During the second half of the 20th century, a fiber art scene emerged in Southern California with a distinct approach. This conversation will explore Bassler and Shaw Sutton’s personal experiences and take on the emergence and evolution of fiber art in this region, in addition to touching on their own contributions.

We will discuss early influences and influencers, especially Bernard Kester and Joan Austin, and cover a bit of the genesis story of the UCLA and CSULB fiber programs. How did the textile design world influence what happened here? Is it possible to define a SoCal fiber aesthetic? Was the fiber movement here different than in other parts of the country, and if so, why was this the case? The talk will delve into how artists drew unique inspiration from aspects of the physical and cultural geography of the area to form ground breaking ideas in fiber.

The talk will be streamed live via Zoom and Facebook. To register for the Zoom Webinar, please click here.

You will be able to view the talk on our Facebook page as well. Please email center@craftinamerica.org for any more information about this event, or if you are having difficulty registering.