Dre McLeod Redefines Women-Led Craft and Appalachian Folk Art

<p><strong>&ldquo;</strong>My aim is to change the perception of how women-led craft and Appalachian folk art is viewed,&rdquo; says maker Dre McLeod. &ldquo;Why can&rsquo;t it serve as a valuable means of art and expression the same way painting and sculpture has for centuries? Or as when men experiment with the same traditional craft-as-art?&rdquo;</p> <p>The Ohio-based artist, who grew up in the Appalachian region of West Virginia where craft is a prominent part of the culture, makes abstract textiles in the vein of Hilma af Klint. Craft and folk art has long been separated from fine art, but Dre has a mission to change the stereotypes surrounding her chosen mediums. &ldquo;Attempting to make craft into fine art is always alienating! Especially as a woman,&rdquo; she tells NOT REAL ART. &ldquo;I often see men working with quilting and fiber receiving exhibitions and accolades, but it seems harder for women to receive recognition for the same.&rdquo;</p> <p><a href="https://medium.com/@sourdough/dre-mcleod-redefines-women-led-craft-and-appalachian-folk-art-9678cfbf1e78"><strong>Visit Now</strong></a></p>
Tags: Folk Art