There’s an interesting phenomenon among fiber artists. While they may not be tricksters by nature, those in Hudson County seem to constantly surprise us. Take Woolpunk, who spun a massive American flag across the steps to nowhere in the Central Railroad Terminal. Sarah Grace, a regular in Deep Space, makes plush mats in the shape of ordinary objects from tufted yarn. And HAMEWS, at SMUSH Gallery, planted cloth replicas of all the houseplants that had died on her watch. Fiber pieces are never what they initially seem. Just like vegan kitchen magicians turning vegetables into meat-like approximations, textile artists specialize in the switcheroo. This misdirection, a little sleight of hand by the maker for the viewer's amusement, feels like an integral part of the art. It's definitely a key element of the show.

Uncover the Hidden Wonders of Fiber Art

Textile Innovators in Hudson County

The textile innovators in Hudson County are truly remarkable. Woolpunk's bold act of spinning the American flag across the steps showcases their creative spirit. Sarah Grace's plush mats, made from tufted yarn, add a touch of whimsy to the ordinary. HAMEWS' cloth replicas of houseplants bring a sense of nostalgia and a reminder of the transient nature of life. These artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what fiber art can be, captivating our attention and challenging our perceptions.

They use various techniques and materials to create pieces that are both visually stunning and thought-provoking. Their works are a testament to the endless possibilities of fiber art and the creativity that can be unleashed through this medium.

Lisa Lackey: The Master of Textile Painting

Lisa Lackey is a true master of textile painting. Her solo show at Arturo Gallery, "Walking in My Shoes," brings some of her best pieces. One of her most spectacular works is "It's Complicated," a small study of light penetrating metal latticework and creating crosshatches and tiny diamonds on a concrete patio. Lackey gets the angles just right, using black fabric netting to capture the desired effect. Her stitching is nimble, creating an illusion that is both visually mesmerizing and an engineering puzzle.

She also loves shadows and uses them to add depth and meaning to her pieces. In "Wish You Were Here," the slanting shadows tell the tale of a summer slipping away. In "Afternoon Walk," the shadows orient the viewer and make Lackey a constant ghostly presence. Her work is a testament to her ingenuity and mischievous spirit.

"Reflections": An Intellectually Provoking Work

"Reflections" is an intellectually provocative work of fiber art that approaches photorealism. Lackey captures her own spectral image in a diner window and gives us a peek inside and a mirrored view of the street. The piece leaves us wondering if we are on the outside looking in or behind her, observing her. Her glasses are visible, but not her eyes, adding to the mystery.

Her recent textile paintings maintain the drama but have a lighter touch. "Color Block" feels like a dialogue with the work of Gwen Yip, with its lively vision and judiciously picked details. Lackey is constantly evolving and exploring new ways to express herself through fiber art.

Tis Kaoru Zamler-Carhart and Vitaly Zamler: Transmuting Photography into Fiber Art

Tis Kaoru Zamler-Carhart and Vitaly Zamler's "What Weaves Us Together" show at MoRA is an audacious and glorious display. Instead of focusing on their techniques, they let their pieces speak for themselves. "Kolobok" is a seven-foot square tapestry filled with circles and faces, suggesting transience while the deep-dyed hues scream permanence.

They also create works like "Peach Martini," a tall-poured mini-tapestry with a steam-dyed design hinting at industrial architecture. Their interest in idiosyncratic design and the built environment is evident in "Ann Arbor," a warped vision of the city suspended in space. The interplay between the printed object and the matter imprinted enhances the qualities of the image and the surface.

Other Contributors: Departures from Expectation

The other contributors to the show also bring their own unique perspectives. Moise Izabiriza cuts up measuring tapes and sews them together into a shaggy hanging, resembling El Anatsui's bottle-cap tapestries. Tunde Odunlade incorporates pictograms and computer equipment on a massive ten-foot sheet. Hyemin Lee creates a spiral of colored wallet-sized pillows. Each piece shares the impish spirit common to fiber art, showing that there are no limits in this Wild West of fabric.

These artists prove that fiber art is a realm of endless possibilities, where anything goes. We should embrace and enjoy this creative freedom while we can.