Abstract

This thesis recounts the stories and experiences of three contemporary Canadian fibre artists who have emerged onto the artistic scene within the past decade. It is my intent to examine the possible internal and external motivational factors involved in their choice of career path, and their choice of fibre as a medium. In-depth interviews examined the early lives of these women from their own perspectives, delving into their family and cultural influences as well as their educational experiences. Fibre artists are often involved in techniques and processes that are repetitive and extremely time consuming. The relationship between the body and the mind that occurs while engaged in this type of intensive art practice will be explored, such as: notions of flow; losing track of time; peak experiences; meditative moments; body kinaesthetic knowledge; tacit knowing; and the body memories often involved in creating with textile materials and processes. Potential links between spirituality and creative practice will be explored. Time will be considered from many angles, including: each woman's perspective on how time relates to their individual practice; how they manage time around completing such labor intensive work; and the time that it takes to become a successful fibre artist in the current artistic climate. Each artist's identification with feminism and the possible subversive nature of textiles as a medium will be explored. As well as looking at issues related to the artist's personal, public and private space, the role of place in their current art work will also be addressed.