Tracy Jamar

Biography

Tracy Jamar has had over 30 years experience as a textile restorer and conservator working primarily with American antique textiles. Moving to New York City from Minnesota in 1979, she became head of textile restoration for the America Hurrah Gallery, opening her own restoration studio in 1985. 

In 2006 she returned to college to complete an undergraduate degree, graduating in 2009 from Goddard College in Plainfield, VT, after which she committed her time to creating contemporary fiber works. Tracy explores traditional hand-made textile techniques and is inspired by folk art and contemporary forms. She uses a combination of new, old, repurposed and non-traditional materials.

In 2012 she collaborated on a book, American Sew Rugs: Their History with Exceptional Examples with antique textile dealer Jan Whitlock. This led to writing her own book in 2017, Coil, Folds, Twists and Turns: Contemporary Techniques in Fiber using those traditional techniques instructionally and to showcase how they were used by herself and other fiber artists.

Tracy has exhibited nationally, won several awards including Best Mixed Media and Best Sculpture at Guild Hall in East Hampton, NY; awarded two Excellence Awards from the Surface Design Association. In addition she was Keynote Speaker at the Association of Traditional Rug Hooking Artists in Denver, CO in 2019. Her work has been included in various publications and she has taught at prestigious national and international venues.

Artist statement

Short 40 word statement

I explore various textile techniques, many inspired from my decades of textile restoration and experimenting how to incorporate them in my contemporary works.  I am drawn to texture, color and form using a variety of new, repurposed and found materials.

Longer statement

As a former antiques dealer I am fascinated with the craft and history of items made by hand, especially textiles. This interest led me to focus on the restoration of antique quilts and hooked rugs for over 30 years. I became intrigued with how these common and every day items reveal a very personal and intimate view into the lives, times and creative expressions of the often anonymous person who made them. These objects, usually made by women who have been traditionally marginalized in other areas, expose a very personal and intimate view into their society.

In 2006 I returned to school to complete an undergraduate degree abandoned 36 years earlier. I attended Goddard College in Vermont graduating in 2009. Goddard offers a low residency, independent and self-directed program where my interests led to the thesis, Material Witness: American History Through Women’s Hand-Made Textiles.

I was inspired with the connection, value and importance of textiles, especially “women’s work”, in all aspects of general life: political, social, religious, economic, personal and charitable. These hand-made textiles, often considered the whimsies of idle hands are historical documents as important and valid as treaties, buildings and statues. My Goddard experience broadened my intent with textiles and I began to more fully explore my own ability to use textiles and fibers as a creative medium. I wanted to be an active and creative participant in this heritage of hand-made textile chronicles.

To that end I ceased my restoration business and concentrated on making pieces that expressed my thoughts and impressions. I often use repurposed items, those things, which on one level have no worth: worn out socks, torn and faded T-shirts and discarded clothing. They are transformed into something with a new intention and value. Using the fabrics of everyday life these works nurture a connection to the lives of those distanced by time and experience. I have become part of the continuum that I had so admired and appreciated restoring for 30 years.