Canadian artist Yvonne Iten-Scott whose fiber art piece Origin was excluded from an AQS exhibition speaks out. In case you missed it, read about that censorship story here. Below is Yvonne’s statement.
When I was first informed by Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) that my quilt would not be shown at the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) show in Florida I was not given a reason. As an emerging artist new to juried shows, I didn’t question the reason. My work is on a large copper pipe frame so I thought it was a space or perhaps hanging issue.
A few days later my social media exploded with messages from all over the world. People were expressing how appalling it was that my work had been pulled. I then discovered it wasn’t just my piece but also Laura Shaw’s work.
After reaching out to Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) for further explanation, I was told the AQS thought my piece was “representational of a part of a woman’s anatomy”. I was shocked.
The Process of Creating Origin
When I set about to create an art work to submit to SAQA’s call Color in Context: Red, I wanted to challenge myself to create a completely abstract piece. I gathered all my red materials: wool fabric, thread, beads, sari silks and quilt batting. Then, I formed a copper frame into a shape and stretched my linen fabric over it. I had no thoughts of what it would become. Nor did I know what would emerge as I worked organically, starting in the centre. I stitched and stuffed and quilled the wool, adding beads and wet felting tentacles. It was a very joyful, meditative process.
I then set about to write my artist statement and stared at my piece for days. I had just completed a 4 month intensive fibre art certificate. So, Origin seemed to be a fitting title for this work. It was a beginning. The beginning of my new life as a textile artist. I hoped that the viewer could also engage with the piece and decide for themselves what type of beginning or origin it signified to them.
Final Thoughts from Yvonne Iten-Scott
So to summarize, this whole experience of having my artwork banned from a show because a few people decided what they thought it looked like and put a label on it, V#g*na, is incredibly disheartening. Art is there for the viewer to engage with. To let their mind decide what it means and then open up a discussion with others. Art is an experience and the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) has no right to decide for others whether it should be hidden from others. It has put a fire in my belly that I didn’t know I had. I want to create more abstract fibre art that an audience can engage with in thought provoking ways. It’s just the beginning of my journey and Origin was my beginning.
Yvonne Iten-Scott
English 