Fiber arts market and fiber artists : as viewed by interior designers and architects of five major cities in the southern United States

The purpose of this research study was to investigate (l) the extent of the existing fiber arts market with architects and interior designers and (2) workable channels for communication between fiber artists and interior designers or architects. Based on the research findings, some guidelines were developed for fiber artists to use to improve their financial status.

Separate random samplings for interior designers and architects were drawn from the business addresses listed by the American Society of Interior Designers (AsID) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The samples consisted of 35 interior designers and 39 architects whose business addresses were listed in one of five selected metropolitan areas of the South. The results of this study were applicable to the two populations sampled and the geographical areas serviced by the respondents.

The instrument used to collect data from the subjects was a five-page questionnaire developed by the researcher. The collected data were treated separately for interior designers and architects.

Analyses involved treatment of descriptive and inferential data. Frequency distributions were constructed to analyze (l) the characteristics of the subjects,

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(2) a description of the existing and potential fiber arts market, (3) workable channels of communication, and (4) the status of fiber art in relation to other craft media (wood, metal, clay, and glass).

Either a t test or an analysis of variance was performed to determine if a significant difference existed between the primary service (commercial or residential) of the interior design or architectural firms and between the size of firms (small, medium, and large) with respect to (l) perceived amount of use of original fiber art works, (2) number of fiber art works commissioned, and (3) measure of agreement on potential barriers to the use of large scale fiber art works. Chi square analyses were performed to determine if a relationship existed between primary service of firms and size of firms with respect to frequency of giving commissions.

Major conclusions of this study are:

l. The existing fiber arts market through interior designers of the South appears limited but stable, and the market through architects is almost nil. . However, the potential for future market increases in specific architectural environments is evidenced from both designer groups.

2. Market accessibility is more likely to occur for fiber artists by the following means: (a) contacting interior design firms which are primarily commercial rather

vi than residential in service; (b) demonstrating a proficiency and willingness to produce two-dimensional works which are woven or printed as opposed to other fiber art techniques; (c) exhibiting a willingness to start the fiber design after most of the funds have been designated in the project; and (d) establishing a reputation as a quality fiber artist among professional designers.

Communication with professional designers is more ] likely to work for the fiber artists by the following means: (a) reassuring the designer that the fiber art work designed will meet flameproofing requirements or codes and the cost will fit within the budget; (b) receiving a favorable recommendation from one of the designer's colleagues; (c) presenting a good portfolio and a list of previous architectural commissions; (d) exhibiting in shows viewed by professional designers; (e) demonstrating and articulating a knowledge of the principles of design with emphasis on color and size relationships; and (f) making necessary preparations to contribute to the business transactions with the designer.

4. The status of fiber art works in comparison to other media categories of wood, metal, clay, and glass is that interior designers of the South utilize more fiber art works than art items from other categories. However, the reverse is true for the architects.