Abstract

The objective of this thesis is to address the marginalization of craft, specifically textiles, within the Canadian art history canon by isolating and analyzing specific case studies that represent the role of the contemporary textile artists in the modern Canadian arts and culture community. By investigating the work of contemporary textile artists Cindy Baker, Allyson Mitchell, and Anthea Black, I will indicate the ways in which they have made significant contributions to the development and acceptance of contemporary craft in Canada, not simply through their own art practice, but also as lecturers, writers, and curators. These artists have impacted the world of Craftivism, the culmination of modern day activism and craft, making the Canadian Craftivist scene innovative, cutting edge, and politically relevant.