TEXTILE TALK: Jim Arendt--Denim and Persistence in Difficult Times

Jim Arendt's practice is rooted in understanding how we relate to labor. His close proximity to the manufacturing and agrarian landscapes of America, as well as the dramatic shifts in both sectors of the economy during Jim's lifetime, has led him to pursue an understanding of America's people and craft. Working primarily in donated denim on his mom's Kenmore sewing machine, Jim creates complex portraiture. He also spends time caring for a fleet of vintage industrial sewing machines that find their way into his garage studio. --   / studioartquiltassociates     / saqaart   Join SAQA with code "TALKS" for $20 off the first year of a new membership at https://www.saqa.com/join. -- If you enjoy Textile Talks, please consider supporting us with a donation at https://www.saqa.com/ttsupport. -- Textile Talks features weekly presentations and panel discussions from the International Quilt Museum, Quilt Alliance, Studio Art Quilt Associates, and Surface Design Association. The programs are held online at 2 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m. Pacific) each Wednesday. More info at https://www.saqa.com/textiletalks -- Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc. (SAQA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote the art quilt: "a creative visual work that is layered and stitched or that references this form of stitched layered structure." Founded in 1989 by an initial group of 50 artists, SAQA now has over 4,000 members: artists, teachers, collectors, gallery owners, museum curators, and corporate sponsors. With access to our museum-quality exhibition program, SAQA members challenge the boundaries of art and change perceptions about contemporary fiber art. As a part of SAQA’s dynamic creative community, members can take their artwork and career to the next level. We offer a wide range of exclusive resources, mentorship programs, and professional opportunities. In addition, SAQA documents the art quilt movement – our publications include full-color exhibition catalogs and books like Art Quilts Unfolding: 50 Years of Innovation, and the Exploring Art Quilts with SAQA series. -- 00:00 - Intro 06:27 - Jim's presentation 42:53 - Q&A