Artist Interview | Ian Capstick

In this episode of 'Who Arted?', host Kyle Wood interviews multidisciplinary artist Ian Kapstick, a self-described 'recovering pundant' and creator of quilted banners that merge political messaging with textile art. Kapstick shares his journey from performing in theater to becoming a creative director in advertising, where he realized the disconnect between commercial work and personal artistic expression. The turning point came during the pandemic, when he began making 'quilty banners'—large-scale, politically charged quilts that reclaim marginalized histories and challenge the hierarchy between 'art' and 'craft.' His work, featured on his podcast 'Art Against Empire,' reinterprets historical protest signs, such as the 1971 LGBTQ+ 'We Demand' banner, using organic cotton to highlight the deep political roots of materials like cotton, tied to slavery and colonialism. Kapstick emphasizes the importance of accessibility, community, and the labor-intensive nature of fiber arts as a form of resistance and remembrance. He also discusses the contrast between his fast-paced, pop-art-inspired communication style and the slow, meditative process of quilting, framing both as essential to his artistic identity. The conversation delves into the social and historical significance of quilting, particularly its role in preserving stories of Black, Indigenous, and queer communities. Kapstick pays homage to foundational female and marginalized artists like Joyce Wieland, Ruth Asawa, and the women of Gee's Bend, underscoring how textile traditions have been passed down through generations rather than institutionalized in academia. He advocates for inclusivity in the art world and encourages newcomers to start with machine sewing, local quilt guilds, or online resources like YouTube. His message is clear: fiber art is not just decorative—it's a powerful, democratic medium capable of deep political and emotional resonance. The episode ends with practical advice for beginners, emphasizing the forgiving nature of fabric and the vibrant, supportive community that surrounds quilting.