Color! Texture! Movement! Using Repurposed Materials!
Author: Ann
Ann Baldwin May was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. She received her education from University of California, Irvine (History, BA Elementary Teaching Credential, Masters in Teaching Spanish) Her first quilting class was in 1975. She retired in 2012 after working 30 years as a bilingual teacher and Bilingual Resource Teacher in Watsonville.
After making over 300 bed quilts, she turned her attention to art quilts. Ann is passionate about using repurposed materials often from the San Francisco Design Center. She has won several awards for her work. Kaiser Permanente has purchased five pieces for their Santa Cruz County facilities. Her work has been juried into shows all over the country including San Francisco and Chicago. She participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour.
She is married and has two daughters.
Ann Baldwin May
Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St.#4 Santa Cruz, CA 95060
baldwinmay49@yahoo.com
831.345.1466
annbaldwinmayartquilts.com
Facebook- AnnBaldwinMayArtQuilts@annbaldwinmay
Instagram-annbaldwinmay
These Mexican Dance Fabric Art quilts represent the meshing together of two major passions in my life,quilting and Mexican folk dance. Naturally I wanted to express my love of both of them. Can you just hear the Mariachi music now?
My First Mexican Art Quilt
Homage to a Dancer was my first art quilt. Furthermore,the 2 1/2″ inch blocks in the background come from the traditional quilt world. I added the braids and ribbon detail from my actual Jalisco region outfit. The ribbons on the skirt, shawl(rebozo) and garter mimic the actual costumes.
Homage to a Dancer 56″h x 45″ w 2009
Above all,the Jalisco region of Mexico dominates the world’s view of Mexico with mariachi music, Mexican Hat Dance and charros(Mexican cowboys).
Michoacan Regional Dance
However, each of the other 29 states have varied and unique traditions and dances. Michoacan is the Mexican Land of the Lakes. So, I included a net with fish to highlight that part of the culture. Furthermore,Day of the Dead traditions are especially vibrant there.
This Mexican Dance Fabric Art quilt,El Danzante de los Viejitos(The Dance of the Little Old Men) represents a traditional dance from Michoacan, Mexico. Young men with old men masks and canes wobble on to the stage. A competition of lively steps takes place. The dancers knock down other dancers with the canes. At the end, the dancers wobble off stage again.
More Fabric Art from Mexico
Market Day 51″ x 40″ 129 cm x 101 cm 2009
This Mexican Dance Fabric Art,Market Day is a 3 D representation of a typical dance outfit. I brought the plastic shopping bag back from Mexico. I made the braid to use when I performed Mexican folk dancing. Overall, the 2 1/2″ (6cm) blocks of blue fabric background connects me to the traditional quilt world. Many 3D items adorn and add texture. Yet, the piece remains culturally accurate.
I met an educated artist a while ago. Subsequently, we talked about art. She knew all the names of the unique colors. At certain times of the convo, I didn’t even recognize the name she used. Initially,her depth of knowledge blew me away. I had not studied art. I had not memorized nor had even heard of some of the colors. In short, I assumed that she was an excellent artist. However, was I correct to make that assumption?
Her Work
Subsequently, she showed me some of her work. These included drawings,paintings and mixed media that had done over the years. Her work was good not great or spectucular. Knowing all the correct art terms didn’t help her create better art. Maybe time spent is the studio is important. Focus one’s attention. Decide what one’s goals are.
What Makes a Great Educated Artist?
So what really contributes to making a great artist? Skills, time to practice, resiliency, and above all, the mastery of materials.
Skills and Materials
The great thing about art is that everyone can and should make art. Humans need to make art. Each human can choose what skills and materials they want to use. They may choose materials that they have readily available. The skill needed to use those materials needs to be developed.
Time
One has to have time to develop those skills. Time could be set aside daily or weekly. Or on the other hand, it could be developed over years. It is difficult to juggle a job, family and art. Each person gets to choose how they will handle it.
Resiliency
Resiliency is necessary to keep going. Artists need it so that they continue on in spite of setbacks. One cannot give up. Making a living from selling art is hard. Some choose different pathways to do something in art for their career. Teaching or commercial art are just two paths. Others wait until retirement to work on their art full time.
In Conclusion
Skills and the mastery of materials, time, and resiliency contribute to the making of a great artist.
View how One Fabric became Three Unique Art Quilts
Little did I know that when I chose a fabric that one fabric would become three unique art quilts. The background fabric spoke to me. I liked the dots of different sizes while the peach color drew me in.
Knots-background fabric
First of all came Knots. It was one of my first pieces incorporating 3D objects with my art quilts. I added tucks and couched(zigzagged)fuzzy decorative threads to the fabric. Quilting black stitches added extra interest.The fiber piece in the middle is a mat like sample from FABMO as well. I folded it in half. Furthermore,I chose native inspired fabrics to roll up inside of the mat. Finally,a piece of favorite decorative thread with indigeous type details was added in several places. In short,Knots remains a favorite of mine. https://www.fabmo.org/
Copper Cliffs-smaller pieces used
SOLD! Copper Cliffs 21″ x 19″ 53cm x 48cm⁸ 2019
Copper Cliffs is an abstract art quilt. Smaller pieces of the original fabric is visible among the other fabrics. One of my go to techniques to create texture is to couch (zigzag) decorative threads on to fabric. Then I cut the fabric into smaller pieces to use. I used several different fabrics to do that in this piece. I also used curved line piecing to sew the pieces together. Scribble quilting adds movement.
Desert Trees in the Wash-Tree fabric stands out
DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″ 63cm x 61cm 2021
Desert Trees in the Wash is a more recent piece. Oddly enoughafter all of these years, the fabric still called to me. Almost all of these fabrics and details are redirected designer samples that I acquired at FABMO. The fabric layering technique starts with the back fabric being place on a table. Then I lay the batting or center fabric on top. Next, I create the desert scene on top. A thin layer of tulle netting covers the entire piece to hold everything in its place. Free motion quilting makes sure that nothing moves.
A piece of fabric that inspired
In Conclusion
These three art quilts use the same fabric in different ways. On the one hand they are each unique. Each one was created without an inkling of the others.Yet, they also represent common aspects of my portfolios. It is only when I look back that I see this. I still like this fabric. I am happy with the outcome of each piece.
Art quilts are a newer art form. Creating art with fabric is not like creating art with paint. We create our own canvas of sorts with our backing. We finish the edges with stitches.We do not need an additional frame to complete our work. Some quilt artists add a fabric frame but that is different.
Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their art form. Art quilts come in many fabrics,colors and sizes. There are no predetermined sizes like with a canvas. Sometimes quilt artists choose a smaller size to try out a new technique or for a gift.
More importantly, in order to gain acceptance, some quilt artists frame their art. That way it is immediately recognizable as a piece of art similar to a painting. Furthermore, who doesn’t want their work readily accepted by the public. I get that.
Yet, quilt edges are always finished. It is part of the process. Quilt edges are generally finished by several methods. Sew a facing on the front and turn it to the back for hand stitching. Zigzag twice on the edges. Some art quilters prefer attaching a binding like a more traditional quilt.
All artists want their work accepted as art. However, educating the public about art quilts is necessary. Why add a heavy frame? It is redundant and unnecessary. Why do it?
Framing Art Quilts is Different.
Fabric is a unique material to use to create art. It moves and stretches a bit. When I started creating art q;uilts, I thought that they were to lie flat against the wall. Then I visited the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles.https://www.sjquiltmuseum.org/ The incredible quilts on display did not lie flat against the wall. Naturally, I gave up that idea. Art quilters need to embrace the uniqueness of their special materials.
Beach Tree, 34″ x 29″ 86cm x 73cm
11 Reasons Why I Don’t Frame my Art Quilts
The edges are finished. There is usually a facing, binding or the edges are zigzagged twice. Nothing more is needed.
Fabric encourages a different type of artistic expression. Leaves can flow off of the sides. A frame would cover up that expression.
I send my art quilts by rolling them up. They take up less space.
I store my art quilts by rolling them up with the front to the outside to prevent wrinkles. It is amazing how little space they take,
Be forward thinking. Ditching the frame immediately shows movement away from a tradition.
A frame is more heavy and cumbersome. What artistic value does it add to the art quilt? Trying to match styles can be difficult.
In Earthquake Country or Tornado Country, a heavy frame over a bed is not advisable.
I can carry all of my quilts for a solo show under one or two arms. I roll them up together. They are not heavy.
Frames adds extra unnecessary weight whether they are wooden, metal or another material.
When storing an art piece,a frame takes up more space.
A frame is expensive.
I store my quilts rolled up in a closet. A temporary tag pinned to the top allows for fast identification of each individual quilt.
Exceptions to Not Framing
I realize that there may be exceptions. It is possible to frame an art quilt. On the other hand,in some permanent public settings, framing may be preferred. Museums or other public and private organizations may want a consistent look in their presentation of the artwork. Permanent collections do not move often. The situations are different.
In Conclusion
Why add a frame if it is not necessary? Frames are expensive, heavy, and take up more space. On the contrary, they can not be rolled up for easy storage,shipping or carrying. More importantly, some painters are now painting the sides of their canvases so frames will not be necessary for them.
Smilin', the all silk art quilt was made after one of the times that we thought the Pandemic was over.
Frequently Asked Questions about Materials
Where do you get your materials from?
Above all,I usually get my materials from FABMO, a nonprofit that gathers materials weekly from the San Francisco Design Center. fabmo.org Then they make the materials available to the public to keep them out of the landfill. Furthermore,these materials are new, high end , high quality fabrics. For example,linen, silk and other unique fabrics are readily available. Most importantly,these fabrics cannot be found in regular fabric stores. It is a win-win situation.
More recently, people have been giving me fabric.Thy know that I will put good use to it. Sometimes it is just a few yards and sometimes it can be more.When a loved one who sewed passes, they may leave behind a lot of fabric. This year I was gifted a lot of fabric in this category. I keep the pieces I think I might use and pass on the rest to others who may use it.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inspiration
What motivates you? Using fabrics and materials sustainably motivates me. I rarely throw anything out.
Where do you get your inspiration/ideas from? My inspiration comes from how the materials play with one another. I usually decide ahead of time which portfolio I will make next. It could be abstract, nature, or Mexican inspired.
Frequently Asked Questions about Time
How long have you been sewing or quilting? In high school,I took two years of sewing. Then I continued sewing. In the 1970s,I took my first quilting class at a neighborhood fabric store. I stopped counting my bed quilts at 300. Then around 2008, I began making art quilts.
Doesn’t it take a long time to make a quilt ?
Yes, it does. But I used to think about writing a book. A quilt doesn’t take as long as that.
Sewing Questions
What kind of a machine do you use? Above all,my machine is a computerized Lily Husquavara.
Do you sew by hand? For instance,I hand sew my sleeves or fabric tubes. Furthermore,art quilts with facings are handsewn to the back. Moreover, most of my quilts are done by machine. On the other hand,I do sew small details or found objects on my art quilts. by hand. However, the majority of my work is machine pieced and machine quilted.
Do you sew clothes? In short,I rarely sew my own clothes anymore. In the same vein,I do not sew clothes for others.
Other Questions
Do you do memory quilts? I do make memory quilts. People give me or send me the clothes from their loved one. We work together to decide on a style that will work for the client. I have made wall art and traditional and non traditonal lap quilts from the clothes. As the work progresses, I send photos to keep the client informed of progress.
Do you teach classes? All in all,no, I don’t teach classes. However,post COVID I have starting a mentoring project. A more personal 1 on 1 situation based on what skills the student would like to learn or what direction they would like their sewing,quilting or art career to go.
Have you been to Paducah, Kentucky, home of the National Quilt Museum? No.
I create wall art with fabric. They may be abstract, landscapes or seascapes. I have been doing this for over 10 years. Yet why is it so difficult to call myself an artist. It becomes easier when I am writing it on a show application.Why don’t I feel eel good about calling myself an artist?
What is the image of being an artist? The label artist comes with many postive and negative expectations. On the positive side, artists are flamboyant. They do the unexpected. Following society’s rules are not for them. One might say that they were the first rock stars. This lifestyle can be attractive to some.
For example, Big Eyes, the 2014 movie was about a man who was in love with the image of being an artist. He preferred the idea of being an artist rather than actually creating art. He also found that it was an easy way to con people too.
However, these are not the reasons that I make art. I make art because I have to. My one artistic skill is working with fabric and yarn. I know how to sew and quilt. Drawing and painting are not my strengths.
Between Showers 25″ x 20″ 63cm x 51cm
A Negative Stereotype
On the negative side, the general impression of artists is that they are moody and difficult to get along with.Their spontaneity makes them completely unpredictable. Their lives are disorganized to the point of total confusion. I ran into former colleague who used to paint. I asked her if she was still painting. She said, “No. I am happy now. Only unhappy tormented people paint.” Sadly, this person had something to give the world as a painter. Hopefully, this stereotype is changing. While society needs artists, artists also need to people that are approachable and reasonable to work with.
The Pressure
After college graduation when I was beginning to make my way in the world, I would tell people. I am a writer. When they asked what do you write? We would answer, I write checks. Somehow this deflected the weight of trying to live up to an image and responsibility of being a producing writer.
Furthermore the same pressure weighs on artist’s too. If I call myself an artist then I must be making art. I must be putting on shows. Art should be flying out the window. It should be my full time job.
People with art degrees feel even more pressure. They studied and worked hard to learn about art. However, a common complaint is that the schools teach them to make art. But they don’t teach them how to take their art to the next level and to sell their art. This pressure weighs heavy on some people.
In spite of these stereotypes, all humans can and need to create beauty. We do it in different ways. Cooking food, gardening dressing and decorating our houses. and in many ways.
Light in the Forest 42″ x 40″ 106cm x 102cm
Growing into a new Profession
It takes a while to grow in to any new profession. We work hard to get qualified. Then we try and find a position in our field. Yet it often takes time before we feel the title fits who we are.. Who truly felt comfortable their first year or years in a new position? Looking back probably not many of us. With my first born I felt like a mother for the first time not when she was born. It was weeks later when I was able to calm her down when she was fussing in her crib. We need to give ourselves time to grow into our new positions. Adding layers of expectations and stress is not helpful. Now after 10 years saying that I am an artist is becoming easier.
The Northern California and Southern Nevada Regional SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates) group put out a call for entry for a new show, Prism Play. The organizers send the partipants a color card similar to a paint chip card. It had a limited color range on it.The artists must only use the colors on the card. No black or whiteallowed. The size of the finished quilt must be 45″ x 15″ 114 cm x 38cm. Those are the only restrictions. Imagination and creativity released. Follow how the Colors of the Prism Piece developed.
Paint chip cards of orange, pink and magenta color lines
Colors of the Prism Piece
Participants requested a particular color wave or they could choose to to get a surprise. Three color waves were actually sent so that the artist could make a final choice of colors to use. Artists could make up to three pieces. I choose the purple card on the right for the colors of the prism piece.
Designing Details for Colors of the Prism Piece
Tucks on purple fabric
I start by designing fabric details that I want to include. Here is a purple piece of fabric with tucks to add movement and texture.
Yarn and piping add texture.
This light purple fabric has three lines of yarn couched(zigzagged) on it.
I like to create 3D details with the short pieces of redirected yarn.
A dark piece of fabric has various lighter colors of yarn couched on it.
The short pieces of redirected yarn came like this.
These small pieces for the colors of the prism piece are examples of the redirected yarns and materials I used from Fabmo. https://www.fabmo.org/
two layers of purple
More examples of fabrics used. I create strips of details then I cut them into smaller pieces.
Creating the Colors of the Prism Piece
Abstract art quilts begin on my flannel design wall. I marked the approximate edges with pins to help me keep track of the 15″ width (38cm) restriction. I always begin with larger fabric pieces than I want the final piece to be. One never knows how much fabric will taken up in the creative process of sewing the pieces together.
Trying out several pieces on my design wall
I place the colors of the prism pieces on the design wall always balancing colors, hues, eye grabbing details and spots for eyes to rest.
I continue to move pieces around on the design wall.Not quite finished but getting there.The top is finished and squared up.
In Conclusion
In completing this Colors of the Prism piece, I created texture and movement with the artist made details. This piece includes the use of redirected materials in the style of my abstract art quilts. However, I found the restricted size of the final piece, 45″ x 15″ 114cm x 38cm to be a challenge. It added an extra bit of pressure I had to be constantly aware of.
Here are some examples where good advice went bad. Or in other words the advice did not work out for me.
Anna’s Irish Tulips, a king sized bed quilt
Several years ago I completed that queen sized bed quilt. Charming tulips with leaves popping out from the sides alternated plain cream colored blocks. In the empty blocks I hand quilted flowers. I made a scalloped hem knowing that this would truly be a family heirloom. Needlessto say, I was extremely proud of my work. After all,I had been quilting for years. This was the culmination of all my work.
Good Advice Gone Bad
While I was proud of my work, the appraiser gave the quilt a very low appraisal for a queen size bed quilt with some handstitching. In 2005, $350 was a low appraisal. Disappointment reigned. Yet over the years, what a lot of money I saved. I have a large inventory. What if I had had all of them appraised?
Forest Fires of 2020
Most importantly, our county did suffer horrible forest fires in 2020. Many people did lose their homes. Our home was close to the fires. No mandatory evacuation was ordered. Nevertheless I self evacuated myself to a friend’s house in south county for four days. I moved precious items to my studio downtown where they would be safe. None of them were quilts. Some of my quilts were already in my studio.
A few years ago I began to have success. Consequently, I wanted my quilts to be photographed professionally. So I asked a well known quilt artist for a local recommendation. She told of a man who had photographed quilts for a museum. Meanwhile,I called him up. His prices were based on the size of the quilt. They were in my price range. Therefore, I made an appointment to drop the quilts off at his studio 25 miles away.
As it turned out, the photographs were terrible. The colors were not even correct. Isn’t that our least requirement that the colors to be right? So I took my own photos. The results satisfied me.
What did I learn? Of course,each person may come to their own conclusions. My thoughts are to trust myself. Furthermore,digital cameras have improved so much in recent years. Therefore, I can take my own photos. First of all, I am proud of the family heirloom that I created. Above all,listen to yourself. Believe in yourself. Keep going. Do not be deterred by negative comments. Most importantly, it is what happens to you but how you react to it.
Seeing critically is looking to see what one likes or doesn’t like about something. How would one make it better or more attractive? Don’t we all do this while getting dressed? However, it could also pertain to a piece of art, an room arrangement or a garden as well as others.
What would you add?
An Exercise to Practice Seeing Critically
Lately, I have found my art process spilling over into other aspects of my life. Basically my process is to do something and then try and make it better. What can I do to make the art more interesting? How can I kick it up a notch? I find myself looking at others work and doing the same thing. What parts do I like and which parts would I change? I am not being critical as in criticize but as in finding the merits and the faults of something.
I see this as seeing and thinking critically about the work. The thoughts are only for myself. I wouldn’t dare say anything to the artist. That is not my intent. It is merely a practicing looking with a critical eye.
The Learning Curve of Art
I am reminded of an exercise that a photography teacher had us do. We were to go about our lives without our cameras and look for photos to take only with our eyes. The students practiced forming low risk pictures. We would notice the world around us. Frame a shot, pretend to take a photo and continue on our way. It was a way of focussing. It was also in the days of dark rooms and fairly expensive film. However, the exercise is still a valid one to focus one’s eye to the beauty around us.
Maybe this is a common art teacher technique. Never having much art training , I don’t know. My one year of drawing and painting was back in the days of Do Your Thing. If you know what your own thing is then that is great. But I had no idea of what my thing was.
I took the photography class because I had noticed that people with a good camera could get into events more easily. People thought that you were with the press.
Trying new ventures is a good idea. However to attain a particular skill level, one must practice. Somehow that never occurred with me.We are all in different places along the learning curve of art.
How would you use this pieces?
Artful Gardens
Many people take pride in their artful gardens, large or small. As I walk by a neighborhood garden, I find myself observing critically. How are the plants arranged. Are the shapes, colors, sizes of the plantings in harmony? Are they placed in a balanced way? Or are they clumped together with no interest? Between the drought, gophers and deer,we are sometimes lucky to have anything growing this late summer.Critisizing in not my intent. However, looking for artful placement of colorful plants is.
Art on Social Media -Seeing Critically
These days many people are posting their art on social media. Each person is on their personal pathway to becoming or improving as an artist. I would never make a critical comment about that person’s art. But it is an opportunity to practice seeing critically. What parts I think work and how I might change it if it were my piece?
In conclusion, becoming an artist takes practice. Part of that progress is to see critically many different art forms or even parts of life.Try it! It is free and easy. However, it is best to keep your opinions to yourself!
Yellow and Green Memory Quilt, 56" x 51" lap quilt
Something about Memory Quilts
Black and Red Memory Quilt, 56″ x 51″ 142cm x 129cm
At one time, I mentioned to someone that I had a commission to make a memory quilt. That person asked me,”Wasn’t it weird to make a quilt out of a dead person’s clothing? Didn’t that creep you out? Cutting up a dead person’s clothes?” I had never thought of that. Why would that be creepy? However, I continued to think about the comment. The question focussed on the dead part while I focussed on the fabric part.
back of Black and White Memory Quilt, 51″ x 56″ 129 cm x 142cm
Focussing on the Fabric Part
Sewing involves cutting up fabric and piecing it together to make clothes or other items. Something that I had done since I was a teenager. When learning to sew clothes, mistakes are common. The seam ripper is a sewist’s or quilter’s best friend. Just like stopping is part of driving. Ripping out mistakes is part of sewing.
Repairing Clothes
In addition,sewing often involves repairing clothing. Obviously, repairing clothing means that the item has already been used. It is not such a huge step to cut up worn clothing to create something new. The creation is the important part not the living status of the person. Sewists see things differently. All kinds of divergent views add to the conversation.
Yellow and Green Memory Quilt, 56″ x 51″ 142 cm x 129cm lap quilt
Incredible fabric details
Notice details of pockets and inset of blue with seersucker from the inside of the jacket
Often the memory quilts that I have made are from men’s clothing. Don’t even consider the fast clothing market. Some of the men’s jackets are works of art. One jacket(see photo above) made in East Asia came with piping and beautiful sewing details on the inside of the jacket. Monograms are common. The fabric for the shirts is of the highest quality. Think high thread count!! These materials also stand up well to the rigors of washing. They are incredible fabric that one would not find in a regular fabric store. Don’t miss such an opportunity to repurpose such great materials.
Why Memory Quilts?
So why make memory quilts? Repurposing fabric or items is foremost for me. Could the clothing be donated? Yes. Will the donated clothing all be put to good use? I don’t know for sure. Sometimes it isn’t. If the clothing doesn’t sell, it is shredded for insulation or something else.
back of Green and Yellow Memory Quilt,56″ x 51″ 142cm x 129 cm lap quilt
The Joy of Memories
What could be more special that cuddly up in a quilt that contains small pieces of fond memories that one has for a loved one? “Oh, I remember that shirt. My dad wore that almost everyday!” “Junior loved those shorts! He wouldn’t ever take them off.” What could be better than a useful, memorable yet beautiful piece?
Making a Memory Quilt
The memory quilts highlighted here are from a recent commission. I completed two reversible lap quilts from a man’s clothing that the widow gave me.
Several shirts to choose frommore shirtsSilk ties
This client brought me a large plastic bin filled with shirts and pants along with a few silk ties. She wanted two quilts to be made. She also requested that certain fabrics be included in both quilts. I took notes on that so that I would remember. As a repeat customer she was familiar with my abstract style. The client looked forward to see what I would create.
Step 1 Choosing the Colors that Go together.
A Work in Progress
After making sure that the clothing is clean and smells fresh, the first step is to decide which colors go together. As stunning as red can be, red does not play well with other colors. I chose to pair the red with the black and white. The husband’s taste made choosing the colors of the second quilt fairly easy, yellow, cream and light green. The tropical shirts added just the right flair and action.
Step 2 Interesting Details
artist made details
Many pieces of clothing have interesting details that I like to incorporate or highlight. Boring buttons pop with the addition of bright threads. Labels and tags add interest too. Pockets are a wonderful surprise as well. Sometimes I use the the labels or tags as is or I may have to cut them and add them to another piece of fabric. It is important to have the 3 D details all on the top of the quilt and not on the backside. When it comes to quilting the three layers together, it will be easier to quilt avoiding hitting buttons.
button details, waistband, and silk ties
Using Fusible Web
Once cut apart, most of the clothing is ready to use. Silk ties and thin fabrics need to have fusible web ironed on to the back of the fabric. This prevents the fabric from stretching and aides in ease of sewing. This step is essential for the beauty of the piece and the ability to easily sew the fabrics together. It is not difficult or expensive except for the time involved.
a pocket and a labelButton details and label
Step 3 Designing on a Design Wall
These memory quilts are similar to my abstract art quilts.except that I use larger pieces of fabric. I place the details and unique items on the design wall first making sure that they are more or less where I want them. Then I add other fabrics rather randomly. I move the pieces around so that the colors and details are balanced. I sew pieces together and keep checking that the colors and patterns are not all in the same area.
Keeping items balanced.Balancing out colors and patterns
Step 4 Complete the quilt.
When I am happy with the way that the top looks,I sew all of the pieces together. Then the top is finished. I baste the quilt sandwich; top, batting and back together. Then quilt the three layers together. I keep my quilting simple to let the fabrics shine. That is the part that is most important to the client. Similarly,after I spend time designing simple quilting also keeps the price down.
In conclusion
After sewing clothes, quilts and art quilts for decades,I continue to be impressed with the quality and durability of fabric and cloth. The fast clothing market aside, there is no reason to not recycle clothing into some other form. Memory lap quilts are a perfect fit for this redirection. Whether art quilts or memory quilts, redirecting fabrics and materials is my main focus.
How do you develop your art passion? Recently on two separate occasions I was explaining my art to another person. They both lamented that they couldn’t sew. Sewing was so hard. Yet,one person was definitely of the age of a person who had to take sewing at school. The other one was was much younger. However, she also mentioned that sewing was an impossibly hard task to do.
Where does One’s passion start?
As mentioned I can’t pinpoint when my passion for sewing started. No, my mother was not a strong seamstress. No, my grandparents were not nearby to teach me nor did they sew. Yet, I do remember begging my mother to sign me up for sewing lessons the summer after sixth grade. I don’t remember begging my parents for anything else. Okay, I did write a persuasive argument for why I needed to have a car. Does that even count? My begging usually focussed on not having to do something. I have a vague memory of trying to get out of a piano recital that I hadn’t practiced for. Music is not a strong point of mine.
My First Sewing Classes
So my mother signed me up to take sewing classes at the local Singer Sewing Store downtown. The classes were a disaster.The teacher expected to help ladies finish their projects. Her expertice did not involve teaching the basics to twelve year olds. How to do lay out a pattern on fabric and cut it out was not in her plan. Public school teachers to the rescue! Luckily, 8th grade sewing did just that. I was on my way. Little did I know that it would develop into a lifelong passion.
Developing an Art Passion
This was the late 1960s. Girls and women were still expected to know how to sew. Yet, my older sister didn’t like it. She said she didn’t have the patience. Did I think that I was a patient person? No. I liked fashion as much as any teenaged girl did. My outfits certainly didn’t push the fashion envelope. I was not an avant garde dresser.
Developing a Skill Set
But without knowing it, I was developing a skill set. I was learning about selecting fabrics. With practice,I learned what pattern envelopes said, what they meant, and what they didn’t say. Moreover, I developed opinions about what they should have said. I also knew I wanted to take an elective class of sewing in high school.I ended up taking the advanced class too. Who knows?Bound buttons may come back in style.
Imagine this top fluffy for the one I made
Back to the fuzzy yellow knitted top. I do remember planning my ensembles with texture and variations in mind. I studied my ensembles for high school. What combinations of outfits did I already have? What materials or colors were they in? How could I make something that would add a difference for my wardrobe? How could I add texture and interest to the clothes I wore?
Inspired by a Tam and Scarf
Yet at this point,sewing was my hobby. Graduating a four year college was my family’s expectation for me. I had no problems with that. I did get accepted to UC,Irvine, my first choice. My back up school was Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. SLO is famous for their home economics department. I often wonder how my life would have turned out differently if I had gone there. The closest thing to home economics at UC,Irvine was chemistry lab.
Schooling and Career
So I got a degree in History, worked on my Spanish, Master in Teaching and became an elementary school teacher. I worked passionately with second language learners for 36 years. No regrets.
Over the years I kept sewing. I made clothes for myself and my family. I learned to quilt and I kept quilting. Most of the quilts were for family members and donation quilts for charities. I learned different techniques like applique and paper piecing. I stopped counting my bed quilts at 300!
Poppin’ Back, 2021
Art Quilts
Much later I switched to art quilts. I have over 400 art quilts,large and small listed on my inventory. I learned different techniques including free motion quilting.I started entering juried art shows.Pieces sold. Practice makes perfect.Sometimes it feels good to realize that I actually know something and can comfortably do it. Do I still try new things? Yes.
Art in College
I took a year of studio art, drawing and painting in college. The teaching style in the late 1960s was totally hands off. The student was free to do their own thing. The teacher said in a positive comment that I did funny little pictures. Looking back, I realize part of my problem is that I didn’t practice. I didn’t put in the hours to become good at it. I didn’t have the passion to keep at it to develop my skills. Malcolm Gladwell https://www.gladwellbooks.com/in his book, Outliers said it takes10,000 times to get really good at something. That sounds like a lot unless one loves doing it, has fun and is passionate about continuing.
In Conclusion
Passion! Dedication! is the answer.So much so that you will choose to stick to something even when you get frustrated. Yet you keep going and over time you get better and better. Maybe you will even reach an advanced skill level. At age of ten, I knew, I wanted sewing lessons. I didn’t know why. I still don’t. But sewing and the related field of quilting has stayed with me pretty much my whole life. So much so that I can only laugh when some artist says how hard it is for them. Isn’t it great that we all have different skills and talents! Find your passion and stick to it.
Assemblage is like a 3D collage usually with found objects. It is a 20th century art form that became more well known in the 1950s and 1960s. Art in a box is a type of assemblage.
Small Wooden Boxes
I recently found about fifteen 9″ x 7″ 23cm x 18cm wooden boxes. They were brand new, in light shades of grey and beige. A perfect setting for some assemblage. The box works as a frame. My mininalist style worked because there wasn’t room for much more. A chance to finally structure add some continuity to my displays. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/product/cityscape-found-object-art/
First,she taught the class how to use a drill with wood or metal. Meanwhile,the students created a layered piece from a wide range of available materials.
Interestingly enough, Janet also came from the sewing world. Furthermore,she built on those skills while changing her materials from fabric to metal. She encouraged me to adapt my known skills as well to the different materials. Janet was incredibly generous with the materials that she had collected. However, I still had a lot to learn about the art form.
One of these adapted sewing design skill includes starting with an interesting background. I chose redirected wall paper that would add movement, color or texture to a piece. My usual way of working is to first select interesting materials I like. I have no idea of what project I may use them for. For example, I let the materials play with one another. They tell me if they want to be together or not. Sometimes the size and scale is not correct. Other times the colors are slightly off. At times even great materials need to be saved for a different project .
Orange Key,9″ x 7″ This box came to me as a gift box.
Choosing Materials
I prefer to see the materials in front of me before making a choice. There are just too many variations involved for me to choose. Color? Are the colors of the correct shade or hue? Too grey or too beige? Scale? Is the size correct for the box? Is the action on the wallpaper too big or too small for the box? A perfectly lovely item may need to be saved for a different art piece. Scale is an important element when working small. The quarter inch tiles I redirected from a interior designer fit the tiny bill. Each miniature tile has a slightly different shade of color to it. I couldn’t place them correctly without seeing them first.
Three Keys 9″ x 7″ Found objects like keys add interest.
The color range of the tiles was limited. Yet a few tiles provided tiny pops of color. Luckily, the tints complimented the muted shades of the container boxes. In addition, finding a unique artful use for a redirected item is definitely a win-win for the earth.
Texture
Texture adds depth to a piece. Fiberous materials also add interest. The 3 dimensional aspect draws the viewer closer. However, that could just be my special view on fiber. Interesting, vintage items also provide texture. “Junk” laying around one’s house can be put to good use. Surprise yourself!
In Conclusion
In conclusion, artists stretch their artistic muscles by learning new skills. Combining shapes, forms, and colors are basic skills that can be developed. After that, those skills are available for and can be applied to many art genres. For example, I recently witnessed a flower arranger combine various colors,textures and sizes to create an incredible bouquet. Everyone starts somewhere. Just start!
Sewing Room Assemblage may just be another name for a mess of sewing room items.I inherited those sewing items that I now wanted to use in my assemblage pieces. Think of assemblage as a three dimensional collage. My mother and mother-in-law were part of the generation that grew up in the Great Depression. They married before World War II. Their families started after the war in the 1950s.
A Generation Expected to Sew
Like many of their generation, sewing skills were expected. Neither my mother or mother -in-law were expert sewists. It has been over twenty years since I acquired all of their sewing supplies. This included special pieces of furniture to store the sewing items as well as numerous threads,needles pins, measuring tapes, thimbles and gadgets. Some of the items are recognizable to the 21st century sewists and some aren’t.
Thread Tray
A New Use for the Thread Tray
A piece of furniture especially made to store sewing items had seen better days. Yet, I kept the wooden tray for thread storage. That piece became the frame for my whimsical piece with thread and small animals that I had been saving. I lined the larger left side with a piece of fiber and added a necklace. The details of buttons lay on a coral felted piece a friend gave me. The most unusual item is the wooden needle case in the middle of the third row. The wooden spools add charm but I couldn’t resist adding some color with some that still had thread.
Spool Wreath
Spool Wreath
I do a lot of sewing. Needless to say I had many empty wooden spools. I generally don’t throw anything away. For several months,I kept my eye out for a way to use these spools. I finally saw a wreath on a door. It inspired me to consider making a wreath with my spools. After much thought, I decided to string the spools on a dowel. I added red wooden beads in between. I had to experiment with the width of the dowel. The 1/4″ .5cm wide dowel was wide enough to fit the hole of the spool and strong enough to stay straight.
Other Parts of the Wreath
Other parts of the wreath used found objects like the clipon metal hanger and the fiber paper plate holder for the base. The burlap bow was reused from a gift I had received. I prefer a minimalist assemblage style for my sewing room pieces.
Mistakes can be Good.
The shorter length rays were a mistake. I used a 1/8″dowel that proved too weak to hold the spools straight. The dowel broke. Instead of throwing the weak dowel out, I choose to shorten the length of the arm. I think it worked. Mistakes can add interest although unplanned. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/mistakes-that-i-have-not-regretted/
Sew Fun, 8″ x 8″
Sew Fun
This sewing room minimalist assemblage piece,Sew Fun includes some of the more unique sewing items. I started with a wooden grid for design interest.The heart shaped item’s original use was to store pins and large needles. The three dimensional shape has a 1/4″ space between the two hearts for that purpose. The long wooden spool on the bottom originally was covered with thread. An orange packet of needles and an orange pair of scissors adds a needed bit of color.
A Metal Bobbin
I learned to sew on my mom’s Singer sewing machine with metal bobbins. The bobbin is an essential piece holds the bottom thread. That machine is long gone. Yet, I found a metal bobbin with orange thread on it. An orange color scheme was devloping. Some may recognize the small metal threader in the middle. I believe that these are still available for sale. They presumably help people thread small needles although I never mastered that skill. An orange batik ribbon for hanging completes the piece.
Red,White and Black Treasures, 8″ x 8″
Red,White and Black Treasures
The red,white and black treasures of thread were originally part of a small sewing kit my daughter bought in Germany. I lined the box with a thin piece of cork. Another long empty spool from the American Thread Company was added. I included the paper instructions for Muriel’s Yarn Threader price 75 cents. Who doesn’t have a lot of buttons? I created details with two levels of buttons in alternating colors. Black ceramic tiles finished the corners.
Brown European Threads 8″ x 8″
Brown European Threads
For the Brown European Threads Minimalist Assemblage, I used the bottom part of a lidded box. See the little bit of the hinge on the left. I couldn’t remove it so I just left it. I lined the box with a piece of redirected wall paper. There were several more European threads in the brown muted color range. A packet of Boye Needle Company from Chicago takes center stage. This is the type of packet that I saw many times in my youth. This time I placed the double decker buttons on small cream colored tiles.
Blue European Threads 8″ x 6″
Blue European Threads
Another variation of the sewing room minimalist assemblage is Blue European Threads. I used wallpaper for lining. I made double decker buttons with blue, green and yellow that match the European spools of thread. Some matching shiny round objects to offset the spools. Blue and green buttons are placed on blue tiles to accent the corners.
Conclusion
Sewing Room Minimalist Assemblage can take many forms. So take a new look at the items that you have around your home. You don’t have any? Search for unique items at garage sales or second hand stores. You can give a new artful life to the common sewing items from the 20th century.
What is quilting? Quilting can be several things. A basic definition is the sewing together of two or three layers of fabric either for a practical purpose or a solely artistic purpose. What if a person cuts up fabric and sews it back together to make the top of a bed covering? Yes is the answer.
Who is a Quilter?
Are you a quilter if you only sew or piece the top together and then have another person do the quilting? Yes. When I started, I only did that part. I worried that I could not call myself a quilter when I really only pieced the top together. Another person quilted the three layers, the top, the batting and the back, together. It turns out that I was wrong. Even back then,I was a quilter.
Acceptance of Many
The quilting world and the art quilt world both accept people as quilters whether or not they actually sew the three layers together. Some have the luxury of sending their tops to a person with a long arm machine or another person to complete that part of the process. Let’s just make sure that they are given credit for their contribution.Words are funny that way, confusing at times and not even close to the reality. No wonder there is so much misunderstanding in the world.
Poppin’ Back, 23″ x 22″
How to Complete
I recently completed two abstract art pieces. Poppin’Back used bright yellows, purples,magentas contrasting with white pieces of fabric. The fabrics were cotton. When it was time to sew the three layers together, I didn’t stop to think. I forged ahead, quilting the usual way I often do, moving the quilt from side to side to create wavy lines . This creates another level of movement that I adds to the art piece.
Smilin’ 33″ x 24″
The Second Piece
The second piece,Smilin’ was completely made from dipioni silk in bright contrasting colors with curved line piecing.I loved the bright colors and shapes. What would quilting lines add to the stunning colors? I decided that they wouldn’t add much.
Yet, the 3 layers layers of fabric needed to be attached. Stitching in the Ditch which means quilting in the seams solved the issue for me. Many art quilters would expertly sew 1/4″ lines to fill spaces. Giving myself permission to do something differently,I listened to what I felt the piece needed. I am happy with the final product.
Conclusion
Consider what is quilting brings to an art piece? Does it add an important element like movement or color to the piece? Is it necessary? Each art piece is unique. It deserves its own consideration on how to quilt it. These are decisions that only the artist can make. It is one of the artistic decisions that the artists must make. My plan is to pay attention and listen to the art more in the future.
See more art quilts at the Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website. https://www.saqa.com/
An acquaintance who follows my work on Instagram recently commented on the progress of my work into hard materials. The comment stopped me in my tracks. What? It made me think. For me, moving into assemblage was something that I had been doing for a while at a very slow pace. Assemblage is a 3D collage generally of diverse found objects.Yes, fabric art quilts are soft and generaly 3D materials are hard. Yet, I hadn’t thought about it that way.
3D Found Materials
As an art quilter I had often added 3D found objects to my work. Whimsical toy soldiers, artificial flowers, pieces of jewelry are just a few examples. Seeing it from another’s view made me take a second look at what I was doing. Larger tile pieces would be too heavy to work with.As a result, I had chosen quarter inch tiles and other objects mainly due to their size and color.
Inspiration
I draw inspiration from the materials and how they play together. I gather materials without thinking about how I will use them. This process applies to the hard or soft art materials that I work with. My sources are redirected sample designer materials. If the small slate-like samples had not been available, I wouldn’t have searched for them. On the other hand, I wouldn’t have even known that they existed.
Materials Front and Center
In the past, I have spent time looking for the perfect piece of fabric for a project. It was frustrating and time consuming. Moreover, the results were often disappointing. I discovered that my imagined perfect fabric didn’t always perform as perfectly as I had expected. Working with what is in front of me proved more creative, artistic and satisfying.
On the other hand, a shopping situation with distractions galore overwhelms me. With the materials front and center, I can quickly see that the scale or color either did or didn’t work. This proves more fun anyway even allowing serendippity to happen. Materials,however, fabulous don’t always work for every project. Save them for another project.
Tower in City 9″ x 7″
Color! Texture! Movement!
My mantra is Color! Texture! Movement! That is what I want the viewer to take away from my art quilts. Changing to hard materials didn’t fundamentally change that for me. I do admit it might look differently from the outside or to a viewer on a tiny screen.
The whole concept of choosing hard or soft art materials did not cross my mind. Even though some materials are obviously heavier and harder than others. I selected the background wallpaper to build action and color into the piece. Slight variations of colors in the pieces of concrete flow. Variations of width of the materials add depth.
Scale
The size of the project and time involved encouraged me to widen my artistic scope. Scale followed quickly. One cannot make smaller items without being aware of scale. True confessions time- I wanted some projects with a lower price point. Even small quilts involve time consuming hand work. Yet,smaller doesn’t always mean less time involved in the creation. Depending on the materials at hand,working with a smaller scale can negatively affect the time spend on designing.
People see Things Differently
I appreciate getting insight into how others view my work. The hard and soft comment opened my mind. Some comments from people I take more seriously than others.A comment from an experienced quilt artist would catch my atttention. However, I generally ignore some comments. A gentleman once commented that a piece reminded him of a particular place. I listened and even googled that location.Yet, that place had not been my inspiration. While I was willing to listen, I was not too concerned. People see things differently. They bring their own experiences to how they view a piece.
Start at the End, Sometimes
Some of my fiber artist friends are extremely talented. One in particular would use unusual found objects to create incredibly engaging art pieces. Yet when she was finished she didn’t know how to hang or best display her large 3D work. So I decided that I would consider how to display the work before I got started. With these assemblage pieces I attached a hook first.Then I continued designing the piece. Working backwards is new process for me.
Cityscape, 9″ x 7″
A Unifying Look
Early in my creative process I acquired twelve identical wooden boxes of varying pale colors. That was a good start for me. Usually I never consider how a piece will look next to another piece. This gave me a chance to unify my look. Some assemblage pieces can be hung and some can sit on a shelf or table.
So I start with a frame or wooden box. Then I add a hook to hang it on. Next,I search for wall paper that complements the box color . With luck it adds texture. Because I am new to this process, I want to know where I will end before I permanently attaching the paper. This may change as I gain more experience. The viewer doesn’t know what the artist began with and how they might have added or subtracted from what was there.
What Do You See? 12″ x 7″
Metal or Wood
Assemblage artists generally choose materials from wood and metal. Personally my preference is wood. Metal just doesn’t speak to me in the same way. In the class I took I learned how to use an electric drill to make holes in metal or other objects. I still have my childhood skates that attached to my saddle shoes. I would love to use them in a piece. Several times I have tried to see what might work with the skates with no success. As much as I love them, I will save them for a later date.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, it is not about the materials being hard or soft. It is the color, texture and movement of the surface that inspires this artist to create something new and hopefully exciting. How will you push yourself to try something new? Do your materials inspire you to move to your next level?https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/03/beginning-steps-to-creating/
These pieces of assemblage are available at my etsy shop.
First of all, Stitching California, SAQA( Studio Art Quilt Associates) NorCal/Nevade Regional Show is in Pleasanton,Northern California. Currently at Museum on Main http://www.museumonmain.org/ until August 14, 2021. Likewise,my piece is in the main room. Further,each Saturday of the show, an artist participant will be there to greet you and answer any questions that you may have. However,the city closes down Main St on Saturdays for an incredible open market. Lot of food and fun. But GPS maps are not aware of the street closure.
In short,Stitching California was curated by Holly Brackmann and Jennifer Landau of Studio Art Quilt Associates, a nonprofit organization whose members challenge the boundaries of art and change perceptions about contemporary fiber art. Furthermore,the show started at the Grace Hudson Museum in Ukiah, CA in 2019.Above all, it will travel through Exhibit Envoy in partnership with Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA)around the state until 2023.
Location and dates for the final year of Stitching California.
Jurors Katie Pasquini Masopust and Karen Holmes talked about the process of selecting the pieces for the show. Moreover,they focussed on a wide variety of art styles and professions that make up the diverse state of California.
In Short, SHOW HIGHLIGHTS
Most importantly,checking out the art work
Then, CALIFORNIA SOJOURN – JERRIE COGDON
SEE MORE ART!
Blue Collider Event Display Ann Baldwin May
Furthermore,Blue Collider Event Display represents the work of scientists at the many major universities all around the state from CalTech,Standford and the UC campuses.
Subsequently,Pink Coneflowers – Jan Soules
Then and Now: Connectong Waterways – Donna Brennan
California Topo – Lin Schiffer
Above all,Oak Leaves and Acorn – Aileyn Renli Ecob, art quilter
California Cuisine – Laura Fogg
For instance, a doublelayered quilt, the diligent workers behind the Farm to Table Movement.
Certainly,Jenn Hammond Landau, curator engages the public.
In addition, conversations ensued.
Then Museum Director David Burton spoke.
Furthermore,Susan Kelly – Second Wind – Fort Point
Furthermore, Fault Line – Pixeladies Deb Cashett and Kris Sazaki.
In short,here is the schedule of the venues that the show will be at through 2023.
Nature themes lend themselves to including unusual animals in art quilts. I often add dragonflies, fish, and jellies to my seascapes or landscapes. My preferred technique for landscape fabric collage is the fabric layering technique. I create a fiber scene on a table and quilt all of the layers together to make a piece of wall art.
A Dragonfly is an Insect.
A local gallery recently had a call for entry for insects. Of course, small creeping animals were my first thought. I would normally not choose to include bugs in my art .But I continued pondering and I remembered that dragonflies and butterflies are also insects. I choose to try my hand at dragonflies since they are a local favorite. Butterflies are beautiful but overdone in my view as small creatures in art quilts.
Teal Dragonflies 17″x 15″ 43cm x 38cm SOLD!
Sea Dragons
Sea dragons are a facinating cousin to a sea horse. My first thought when I saw one was, was it an animal or was it a plant? I was totally fooled. I love the impressionistic feel that it brings to my art. Each viewer can choose what they wish to envision. Sea horses and seadragons are smaller creatures than expected.Sometimes the differently colored seadragons blend in with their surroundings.
Light Green SeadragonSwimming with Seadragons 26″ x 22″ 66cm x 56cm
Some of the small animals in my work stand out and some don’t. I created these seadragons using thread painting. Sheer fabric fish create a layered look to the seascape.
Sea Dragons in the Golden Kelp,32″ h x 22″ w 81cm x 56cm
Jellies
Bloom of Jellies, 15″ x 14″ 38cm x 36cm
Jellies add a fun, whimsical feel to my art. Don’t say jellyfish because they are not fish!Decorative threads for the tentacles add a bit of whimsy and recreate a swaying movement of the water.
Jellies in the Deep, 12″ x 13″ 31 cm x 33cm
In conclusion, these small creatures, fish, seadragons, jellies and dragonflies occur often in my art quilts. They are my favorites to create. I like using sheer fabrics to add dimension. Decorative threads are fun and add interest. Impressionistic scenes allow the viewer to become involved and form their own conclusions about what is there.
Lingering Fog, an abstract art quilt, 34″ x 34″ 86 x 86 cm
How to improve your next Abstract Art quilt.
Improve your next art quilt by adding color. First of all,I enjoy abstract art. Moreover,I am drawn to bright colors and textured lines. While representative art is truly eyecatching. Nonetheless, I choose not to make art of something that someone can take a photograph of. In contrast,my abstract art quilts highlight my mantra, Color! Texture! Movement! Similarly,the high end fabric samples from decorators inspire me to use them in my abstract art pieces.
Color
For example,here are some bold pieces using mainly commerical cottons in this abstract art quilt.
Atlas in Rose, 32″ x 32″Sunset Through The Forest,34″ x 32″ 86 cm x 81cm
Meanwhile,Sunset Through the Forest has artist made details. Finally, decorative yarns to add 3D effects and texture in this abstract art quilt.
Improve your next art quilt with Texture
Furthermore,almost all of the fabrics in Desert Sands are new discontinued samples in this abstract art quilt.. To clarify,texture comes from the contrast between the silky and thicker fabrics. In addition,tucks add texture to certain fabric too.
Desert Sands,21″ x 16″Tranquility,30″ x 24″
Most importantly, the monochronamic blend of fabrics, Tranquility has a calming effect. Fnally, special stitches add interest.
Improve your next art quilt with Movement.
Copper Cliffs, an art quilt, 21″ x 19″
In addition, the commercial fabric with the brown markings shouts movement. Furthermore,curved line piecing and scribble quilting adds another layer. For example, I started with this fabric. Then,I chose fabrics with similar colors.
First,I built the fabrics around this redirected piece of fabric.Spring Break, 32″ x32″
Finally, it is difficult to see the top fabric in the final project,Spring Break. But it is there.
Another Example of Fabric with Movement
Here is another example of movement created by black and grey dogs on the fabric. At first, the curved lines attracted my attention. The artist in me didn’t even see the dogs. Then I couched threads on the material and cut it up. Finally,the tree branches show movement but none of the original dogs.
Step 2 black grey and white fabric with green and black yarn couched yarnSkyward, an art quilt made from redirected fabric with black and grey dogs on it.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, a unique variety of discontinued fabric samples inspire me to create my abstract art quilts. Finally, I aim to include color, texture and movement in each of my abstract fabric art pieces. Thank you for letting me share some of them with you.
Read more information that may be of interest to you.
Paper as an art material is a new use for me. I usually cut fabric. A while ago, a visitor watching me cutting a tree out of fabric, he commented that it reminded him of a friend who does paper collages. While collecting materials for my new direction, mixed media assemblage, I acquired some used frames. I didn’t pay attention that some frames had glass and some didn’t. Yet, I soon realized glass doesn’t work with 3 D objects. So paper collage it was.
A New Art Direction using Paper
Paper Collage
I hadn’t really used paper as art material in my recent history.Yet, I found the process very similar to what I had done with my fabric layering techniques.Although I cut fabric instead of paper, it was the same process. The larger pieces go down first. Then I add the smaller pieces.I like using a long thin skewer or similar tool to gently move small pieces carefully.
Because this process was new to me, I made a sample. I photographed it to remember. Afterwards,I took it apart and began gluing. First, I glued the largest pieces. Then I added the smaller pieces. My go-to tool is a large pin to add glue under small spaces. It is the easiest tool I have found to glue in tiny globs.
My Motivation
Recently I have been trying some new assemblage techniques. I needed to make smaller pieces that would take less time to make and sell at a lower price point. The plan was to use items that I already had in my home and studio. Interesting pieces of discontinued wallpaper came my way and inspired me to use the paper as art material.
Using a Frame
I began with a frame or wooden box. Oddly enough for an artist,I had never used frames before. My art quilts are finished with a facing on the edges. There is no need of a frame. Probably the normal way of making art is to create something and then get it framed.
However,I worked the opposite way. I found a gently used frame or a shallow box. The art was based on what I had that would fit inside.I matched the colors of the frame. Style,size,scale and color guided me.
A Surprise
Working with new materials I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. A piece of plastic inside a frame had words on it that I wanted to remove. I figured that it was a decal. I laid it down and poured vinegar on it. After 30 minutes, the decal could easly be removed with a bit of rubbing. However, the rest of the liquid had disappeared. Where did it go? It was not on the drainboard. The liquid seeped into the plastic lining. I had to dry it several times as I turned it on its side and the liquid came out. Just a bit of an unexpected surprise!
Reusing and Reducing materials
Reusing and reducing materials is a great motivation for me. These materials were new to me. Wood, fabric,redirected tile samples and paper speak to me more that metal or plastic. I have used some small metal items. The paper I used was discontinued wallpaper samples.
Grasslands, 5″ x 4″
An Independent Study -A New Art Direction using Paper
In my college years, I completed several independent studies. The process was a familiar one to me. The self directed student chooses a topic or project. They dive into finding information or trying new techniques. The student finishes by creating a new project. As I was creating different assemblage with the found items,I realized that I had basically created an independent study for myself. No classroom credit awarded of course.
In Conclusion
It is such a joy and welcome distraction for me in these times of the pandemic to find this next direction for my art. This new direction is totally unexpected. My creative juices have been replenished.
My art quilts are all about Color! Texture! and Movement! Inclucivity and respect are important themes that motivate me. It is no wonder that African fabrics embody my vision. The contribution of the African fabric to the fabric world is undisputed.
My Earlier Art Quilts
Travel Enriches, 2009
Travel Enriches is one of my earlier quilts. In our early thirties, my husband and I were able take a year traveling around Europe. We encountered people from the world over.We met people from Africa, the Middle Eastern and Asia as well as Europeans. For me traveling is not only about taking in the famous sights. It is about learning how other cultures think and live. This art quilt celebrates the brotherhood of man.
African Crabs, 26″ x26″ $1500. fabric art quilt,2010
African Crabs continues in this same vein bringing together divergent fabrics from around the world in this fabric collage. Even in my early pieces, I added 3D pieces of found jewelery or items. An adventure in color for the brave.
Together,We All Win, 50″ h x 33″ w, 2010
I created Together, We All Win for a show with a theme of games. My family was obsessed with football. Of course I thought of the arm action meaning touchdown! The title has a double meaning two things.To win a game, the team needs to work together. The world is a better place when we all work together. Bright and varied African and international inspired fabrics create the body.
Later Works with African Fabrics
African Abstract, 15″ x 12″, 2016
African Abstract began with the deep red and green fabric in the center of the piece. It was a challenge to find colors that coordinated with it. Serendippity happened when the fabrics had circles and dots on them. Several bone beads hand sewn on continue the movement.
Under the Savannah Shade using a mix of African fabrics and other fabrics, 33 ” x 38″, 2017
Under the Savannah Shade has vibrant oranges, greens and yellows. Decorative threads are zigzagged onto fabric and then cut apart for texture. Quilting with swervy lines from one side of the art quilt to the other adds movement.
In Conclusion
African fabrics bring a unique combination of color, joy, and movement to the textile world. Honor the black experiences by using them in your art quilts.
Information is provided by Kitenge a fabric and tailor shop in London.
Did you know that African print fabric (commonly known as ‘Ankara’ in West Africa and ‘Kitenge’ in East Africa) were first produced in Indonesia? As early as the 1800s,West African soldiers serving in Indonesia started to import the fabrics into Africa. Later, European traders replicated the fabrics using modern machinery, particularly the Dutch who are one of the main producers of the fabrics today.
Have you discovered African wax print clothing and would like to learn more? Or would you like to know more about the current market and what is causing African textile mills to close?
Continue reading to find out how you can help support the African textile industry…
Method
The method of producing African wax print fabric is called batik, which is an ancient art form. Melted wax creates designs printed onto the cloth. Then the dye is applied usually using 2 or 3 colors. The wax-resist dyeing technique and special machinery creates the famous crackling effect.
Features & Benefits
The 100% cotton, colourful cloth keeps you cool in hot climates and warm in cold climates. The vibrant and bold anakara fabric prints are fun to wear and make you feel good.
Wearing modern African print clothing can make you stand out in the crowd. Be unique, be different and add some colour to your life!
Hidden Meanings
Tribal patterns and motifs of the wax print fabrics identify each unique African culture . Each design and colour can reflect local traditions and symbols such as the group, marriage and social status of the wearer. Some African women use them as a non-verbal way of communication.
A typical African print fabric shop at a market in Tanzania, East Africa
Current Market
Sadly, several remaining African textile mills are closing and skilled, local workers are losing their jobs. The main reason being that they simply cannot compete with the cheap Asian imports from countries including China and India sold at nearly half the price!
Counterfeit Fabrics over Originals
Locals are purchasing ‘fake’ counterfeit fabrics over ‘original’ African (or European) produced fabrics because of the price difference, which is understandable due to the current economic climate. The original fabrics are usually sought after for special occasions.
The counterfeit fabrics claim they are made in an African or European country on the selvedge! Yet, sadly the trademarks and logos are false.
Quality and Colourfastness
However, the quality and colourfastness of the counterfeit fabrics are inferior to the European and West African produced fabrics. It takes the Chinese 1 to 3 months to copy a new design so speed to market is key for the African and European textile mills to differentiate themselves and compete.
African Governments
African Governments should do more to stop the importation of counterfeit wax print fabrics from Asia before it is too late. Otherwise, the designs of African textile mills will continue to be copied and exploited and the local industry will continue to suffer.
Support Small Businesses
Small businesses like us play our part in supporting the African textile industry by producing high quality, African Wax Print Clothing locally using original fabrics that are made to last.
“The customer feedback we have received about our fabrics overall has been very positive and is one of the main reasons behind our success” (Sian, Kitenge Founder)
Ankara Fabrics
Ankara fabrics are easy to fall in love with due to their bright colours and unique designs. Modern afrocentric clothing designs are stylish and fun to wear. Go bolder as it could transform your life (and your wardrobe). Take a look at our latest Ankara styles.
Please help to share this post on social media to show your support for the African textile industry. Raising awareness of the current market situation is really important for its chance of survival.
Then, CALIFORNIA SOJOURN – JERRIE COGDON
