Fabric Artist Amy Usdin On Returning To Art After 40 Years, Lake Michigan, And Her Grandmother’s Silver Fork
What is the one book people should read to understand what you do?
It’s more about why I do what I do—beyond craft: the art fabric by Mildred Constantine and Jack Lenor Larsen. I used to pore over it in the library when I was a teen. So many of the greats who revolutionized fiber art in the 60s and 70s are in there, still influencing artists today.
Who is the one person, living or dead, in your profession who you most admire?
Sheila Hicks, not just because she was a visionary back in the day, but because she’s still creating work deep into her 80s. She wraps and knots immersive installations but it’s her intimate little tapestries I find so moving. Hicks is the reason I began weaving again. After a 40-year break, I unexpectedly found myself at her retrospective and remembered I was supposed to be an artist.
What have you seen lately that’s been inspiring?
The many forms of Lake Michigan and its ever-changing relationship to the shore. I recently had a six-week residency in Door County, working in the dune sheltered Dome House, which was inspiring in and of itself. It was across the street from the lake so when I was working with the garage-style studio door open, the sound of the crashing waves reverberated against the concrete wall in the most magical way.
What do you know now that you wish you’d known when you were 22? OR, what advice would you give to a young(er) person who wants to do what you do?
Find and treasure mentors. I wish I had!
What’s your favorite desktop/office item?
My office is my studio so I’m going to go with my grandmother’s silver fork. I use it to beat the weft when I’m weaving.
We met Amy Usdin when she was a star designer at BI Worldwide. We were thrilled when we heard that she is now pursuing fabric art and that her rich, narrative-laden installations will be featured in a solo show at a Phipps Center for the Arts in Hudson. Opening reception: Friday, December 10 from 6:30 – 8:30. Cancelled due to weather. Tentatively rescheduled for December 17.
