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\u201cIntrepidus\u201d<\/p>\n
Painting is often thought of as being done with pigment, like acrylics and oils. But that\u2019s not the case for Chris Roberts-Antieau<\/a>. As a pioneer of machine embroidery and its possibilities, she refers to her primary body of work as \u201cthread paintings,\u201d using thread and fabric appliqu\u00e9 to create her complex compositions. They range in subject matter, from unbelievable true stories to her personal reflections on nature, reality, truth, and perception. Each is united by her unique blend of stylized forms and thread as a way to infuse dimensionality into otherwise two-dimensional artwork.<\/p>\n When viewing Roberts-Antieau\u2019s tapestries from afar, it\u2019s hard to believe that they are, in fact, works of fiber art. The detail that she achieves with a household Bernina sewing machine is awe-inspiring. The intricacies of her work are created using countless stitches on the machine, varied in such a way as to produce texture and pattern.<\/p>\n In Intrepidus, for instance, the figure\u2019s skin looks three-dimensional thanks, in part, to the use of tiny uniform stitches that give shape and form to cut fabric. The tiger\u2019s fur is handled similarly, but with even more complexity. Each stitch acts like a brushstroke, and Roberts-Antieau has layered colors and thread direction to give the feeling of the creature\u2019s majestic fur patterns.<\/p>\n Roberts-Antieau has had a long career, and her work resides in public collections throughout the United States and with A-list private collectors, including Oprah, Mindy Kaling, and John Malkovich. Before she began her career as an artist, however, her sense of creativity and wonder was cultivated by a vibrant family life. Roberts-Antieau, admittedly, did not do well in school. She failed the ninth grade and was not recommended for college. \u201cBut,\u201d she writes, \u201cI had parents who were big expansive thinkers. We had debates every night at the dinner table. We were taught to think analytically. Both of them had a tremendous sense of humor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI remember more than once, my mother having to pull the car over because she cracked herself up so much,\u201d Roberts-Antieau continues. \u201cThey also had the habit of creative spontaneous joy. It was normal for my father to come home from work, pile us all in the back of the station wagon, and take off with no destination in sight.\u201d This undoubtedly informed her artistic development as she sought to forge paths of her own.<\/p>\n Follow along with the artist\u2014including her adorable bulldog, Kevin\u2014on Chris Roberts-Antieau\u2019s Instagram<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n Fiber artist Chris Roberts-Antieau creates thread paintings using fabric appliqu\u00e9 and her sewing machine to create complex tapestries. \u201cArranging Stardust\u201d<\/p>\n Roberts-Antieau has galleries in New Orleans, Santa Fe, and Carmel-by-the-Sea, where her employees regularly share their favorite pieces and why.<\/p>\n Chris Roberts-Antineau: Website<\/a> | Instagram<\/a>
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\nMy Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Noah Antieau.
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