More than ‘just a little hobby’: Women and textile art in Ireland

Abstract

In this article, interviews with 25 contemporary Irish women textile artists form the basis of an exploration of women's experiences with creative expression. An interpretive framework that highlights key socio-cultural and gender issues is used to critically examine the experiences of these 25 artists and situate their lives and work at the center of expression in the textile medium in Ireland today. Their experiences with making textile art, as well as sharing it, are explored, as are the challenges they face in dealing with a public largely unaware of the social and economic value of the textile medium. As the interpretation illustrates, these women artists find themselves taking on the role of educators in order to build visibility for their work, and ultimately, what they hope will be support for and acceptance of their particular brand of creative expression.