History, Community and the Art of the Everyday

Artist and art historian Ferren Gipson connects her art to the everyday: blending her research into arts, popular culture, craft, modernity, politics, and identity into the textile artworks she creates. She describes herself as, first and foremost, a storyteller.

As Liberty marks its own moment of history, our 150th anniversary, Gipson joined us in store as part of The Patchwork Collective. A project bringing together artists, crafters and communities from across the country (and beyond) in the creation of a collaborative artwork: a supersized patchwork quilt.

While crafting her own patchwork contribution, Gipson sat down with Liberty to discuss what quilting means to her, crafting’s connection to everyday life and how creativity can build community.

If you’d like to get involved with The Patchwork Collective, there’s still time to take part. Simply follow the guidance here to get started.

Can you introduce yourself, what you do, and your practice.
OK, so my name is Ferren Gipson. I'm an artist and art historian. I do quite an even mix of both. I conduct a lot of research around art and popular culture, or art and everyday objects. As an artist, I enjoy textile work, including weaving and quilting, exploring ways to incorporate painterly elements into my quilting. In weaving, I focus on creating practical items with beautiful colours.

What do you focus on in your research? Is there anything you’re particularly passionate about at the moment?
Connecting art to everyday life is very important to me. I often explore how we find art in popular culture or identify art historical connections in everyday objects. My passion for textiles ties into this; textiles are things we see, touch, and engage with daily. I enjoy examining how these can be thought of in artistic and art historical contexts, as well as how artists have interacted with this medium.

You’ve written before on feminine arts and their relationship to textiles, how does that connect your research on the everyday?
When I wrote Women’s Work, I began developing my own textile practice. This stemmed from a desire to engage with my research in a tangible way, understanding it experientially. I was also inspired by stories of women coming to their art practices through connections with women in their families. I have family members who’ve sewn and made quilts, and this motivated me to connect with my roots.

It’s fascinating how engaging with mediums traditionally associated with women can infuse your work with history. For me, drawing on matrilineal connections and the legacy of women makers adds depth to my work, especially when addressing women’s issues.

Was this family connection the start of your interest in quilting?
I’ve been interested in sewing and making things since I was a child. My mum bought me my first sewing machine when I was about 17. I grew up seeing my grandmother’s quilts, but quilting always felt intimidating. Writing the book pushed me to overcome that fear and finally give it a try.

What is it that you enjoy about quilting or patchworking?
I love creating something beautiful that people can live with. It’s fulfilling to pour time, passion, and energy into a project and produce something that someone can cuddle up with and enjoy every day.

Many find quilting to be a communal activity that fosters strong connections. Have you experienced this?
While I don’t create quilts in a community setting, I’ve found a sense of community through connecting with other quilters and textile artists, including those online. This shared passion and camaraderie are integral to the textile world.

Can you tell us about the patchwork square you’ve created?
From the start of my quilting journey, I’ve been curious about making quilts that look painterly. I admire artists like Helen Frankenthaler and try to incorporate a similar expressive quality into my quilts. My approach involves layering sheer fabric over wool batting, allowing the colours to blend and create a wash-like effect. In this piece, I’ve chosen to show parts of the Liberty fabric underneath, creating a shared canvas effect between the wool and fabric.

What does Liberty mean to you?
Growing up, I saw floral fabrics on quilts, which felt cosy and comforting. I love using florals, especially Liberty’s fabrics, for quilts meant for everyday use. Their beautiful, intricate designs are hard to find elsewhere and add a special touch to my work.

What excites you most about the Patchwork Collective project?
It’s exciting to contribute to a quilt without knowing the final outcome. The community aspect means everyone brings their unique perspective and style to their patches. I can’t wait to see the finished piece and the diversity of approaches it showcases.