Gallerist Bára Bartošová

I have explored many methods and techniques, but I feel most fulfilled when I start with a blank canvas or plain silk — I rarely work with commercial fabrics. I usually create intuitively, and during the creative process, the final “image” of the quilt gradually forms in my mind before it reaches its final shape. If I don’t have a clear vision of the outcome, I often put the work aside. Sometimes, I return to complete it after a longer period, when the idea has had time to “mature.”

Over time, I have found my creative path in the technique of painting on silk and subsequently quilting it. I first paint the main motif on silk and then stitch it. This is now my favorite method. I would say that quilting adds another dimension to my work, allowing me to incorporate a completely new layer into the piece. On the back of my quilts, I prefer to use hand-dyed fabrics, and I’m not afraid to experiment with other artistic techniques. I use various painting methods, such as watercolor techniques, dry silk painting, gutta resist, and wax batik, depending on the effect I want to achieve. Finally, I carefully quilt the entire image. I use a wide variety of colorful threads, both on the front and back of the quilt. Since I use hand-dyed and batiked cotton for the backing, the reverse side often creates interesting and unique patterns.

My quilts feature multiple dimensions. At first, the main motif of the piece will capture your attention, but upon closer inspection, you will discover many different details and elements in the background and within the main motif itself. These are thoughtfully incorporated into various parts of the piece, adding essential layers of detail to the whole.

In my current work, I have found a deep connection between color and textile — it represents the next level of my artistic journey. The combination of working with colors (which are my great passion and addiction) and fabrics fuels my creative energy and provides me with endless inspiration and creative ideas. Discovering this technique has given my work a completely new direction and a renewed creative purpose.

The color collection I will present at this year's Brno Patchwork Meeting includes selected original textile pieces created between 2016 and 2023. These are standalone works that, through their style and execution, form a cohesive group. The collection radiates positive energy and joy for life through its vibrant colors and diversity, which is why fauna and flora are the dominant themes. The earlier pieces are mostly collages made using appliqué on hand-batiked cotton backgrounds, incorporating various materials and techniques. My more recent work focuses primarily on silk and free-motion quilting with colorful threads.

http://www.barabartosova.cz/