I think I will have to do more shadowbox framing than I'd intended, since a lot of these textile pieces, while nice to see without glass, will never stand up to being exhibited, with the risk of people wanting to handle them.
I just had to stop a visitor after she'd grabbed one of the weavings on the wall to admire it! explained that you never touch an artwork. But I was astonished that I had to explain this, so that was a good piece of learning for me. I did offer her raw materials she could enjoy handling, though, such as a length of spanish merino roving, which she loved.
The difficulty is that a lot of people can't distinguish between textiles meant for handling and wearing from textiles intended as artworks, too fragile for handling. So I have to take precautions.
I've never thought about it, but I suppose there is an urge to touch fabric and fiber...though I'm surprised people wouldn't stop themselves before they actually DID it!
ReplyDeleteI see it all the time at shows even though there are notices saying do not touch people still do, such a shame as things get grubby from handling. A good idea to have some of the things you have used in a box etc for people to feel, planet looks so good
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