Category: Abstract Art Quilt

Make abstract art quilts with three layers of fabric quilted together. They are modern,contemporary wall art pieces for home or office.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/06/abstract-art-in-fabric/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/the-making-of-an-abstract-quilt/

About the Quilt Artist

My art quilts are all about the quilt artist creating abstract, whimsical or impressionistic pieces. Inspiration comes from the natural world as well as from Mexican and Native American influences. My materials of choice are often redirected fabrics from the San Francisco Design Center and found objects. Art quilts free me to play with color and texture. My technique, Scribble Quilting allows me to create movement on many of my pieces.

TWO INSPIRATIONAL ARTISTS

I owe some of my inspiration to two artists from Santa Cruz County, California. Meri Vahl, an award winning art quilter has been recognized nationally for her work. Teacher of the fabric layering technique, she was patient. Understanding that each student brought individual strengths, weaknesses and abilities. Ellen edith;friend, art quilter, fabric designer and artist extraordinaire made whimsical, personal quilts. Her influence lives on well beyond her life. I have great appreciation for these two local leaders of the art quilt world.

SAQA (STUDIO ART QUILT ASSOCIATES)

I am proud to be part of an evergrowing group of art quilters. SAQA started by Yvonne Porcella in Northern California in 1989. It has grown to an international organization. Art quilters have transformed the quilt into a 21^st Century art form. I continue to explore new forms and ways of working with unusual materials on this journey.

ABOUT THE ARTIST,BIO

I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. In high school I studied sewing and clothing construction for two years. I continued to sew much of my wardrobe. In 1974,I took my first quilting class at a neighborhood fabric store. Over the years, I continued to sew clothes and make quilts for my family. I stopped counting bed quilts at 300. After teaching 30 years in Watsonville as a bilingual teacher, I retired to spend more time on creating art quilts.

MY FIRST ART QUILT

Homage to a Dancer,45″ x 56″

In 2008, I made my first art quilt, Homage to a Dancer. It reflects my participation in Los Méxicas,the University of California,Santa Cruz ballet folklórico group.

A STUDIO IN THE ART CENTER

In May of 2016, I opened a studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz. I have space to work and display my work. For First Fridays and Open Studios, I fill the lobby with art. In June, 2019 New York Art Center accepted my work into their gallery. 7 Franklin Place, TRIBECA, New York City.

AWARD WINNING ARTIST

Great Blue Heron at Dusk,31″ x 25″

Great Blue Heron at Dusk entered into an art show in 2010. The following year it won a merit award at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery in Fremont,California.
In 2013, Visions of New Mexico won third place in the Neo Membreno Vessels 2013 Show at the Western New Mexico University Museum in Silver City, New Mexico.

Want to Be More Creative?

American Democracy,2019 3D details are visible.

Are you curious about how to become more creative? Have you ever thought how creativity works? Is someone born with it? Is it a developed skill? Or is it magic? I personally feel that it is a bit of all of those things. But for the most part, creativity is based on a lot of practice, making mistakes and hard work.

Becoming More Creative

They must be a Genius.

I am not very musically inclined. Upon hearing a complicated piece of music, I would wonder how did someone create that? I would have no idea how the piece was put together. I assumed that the artist created the piece all at once. Therefore, they had to be some kind of a genius to be so special and creative.

Creativity is not a Fixed Entity.

More recently after creating many original art quilts, I have a clearer idea of how creativity works. Creativity is not a fixed entity. It must be nurtured and developed. The musicians might be very talented but probably they worked a long time on a particular piece working bit by bit. Maybe even different people contributed different parts. Ever notice that some people write the music and others write the words? People have strengths in different areas.Their genius takes years of practice.

Making Choices

When beginning an art quilt, first I decide what type of quilt I will make. Will it be an abstract, a nature piece or a Mexican inspired fabric collage? Then I begin to choose the colors based on the fabrics and materials that I have. It helps me to have a vague idea of where I am going. But I keep it flexible in case,I want to change things. Sometimes I start by making a lot of really interesting parts to be focal points. It could be a fabric doll, couched decorative threads or ribbons or 3D textural piece.

Plan something. Then Work to make it Better.

For an abstract art quilt, I begin by choosing a three color palette before adding light and dark hues. It is best to have an idea of what I am going to use these special details or parts for so that the colors I choose will work with the project. But there have been instances when these details haven’t worked as first intended. So were put aside and saved for another piece.

After choosing the colors, I take my first steps of laying the pieces on my design wall. Then I ponder, what I could do to make it better. How can I make it more artful or interesting? How can I add texture or movement to the piece? This is an ongoing process. I make those adjustments and continue on.

Fresh Eyes

Taking a break. Coming back to look again with fresh eyes is helpful and necessary. It is amazing how our eyes can fail to see things. Even when trying to look for errors and they are right in front of our face.

In Conclusion

After making over 400 art quilts, I have a clearer idea of how creativity works for me. Time in the studio working to create art is a must. I am motivated by the way different materials work together. Themes or colors may be the same but rarely do my pieces look similar. Serendipity does occur and should be embraced when it happens.

How I Found Inspiration for an Abstract Art Quilt

blue bird — Splendid Fairy Wren from Australia

Inspiration for an Abstract Art Quilt

Most artists will say that inspiration is everywhere. I certainly do agree with that statement. For example,my friend, The Lady Who Loves Birds, https://www.ladywholovesbirds.com/ sent me this photograph of the Splendid Fairy Wren of Australia. Isn’t this an incredible bird? The colors are inspirational. I immediately knew that I had to use the colors in a subsequent abstract art quilt.

First,I gathered by fabrics, medium blue, black and white.

Then, I put the sample fabrics on my design wall.

trying out locations, balancing shapes and colors step2

Next, I sewed some pieces together. I begin to try out locations.

Then, I continue to sew pieces together and find the right spot for them. I look to balance color, shape and details.

black and blue art quilt — on the table pinned , ready to be quilted step4

Finally,after the top is sewn together, I choose the backing fabric. I place it on a table. Then I cover it with the batting and the finished top. I pin the three layers together. This is called a quilt sandwich. Then I quilted the sandwich together using my scribble quilting technique.

Naming the Piece

I usually don’t do political art work. Yet, as I spoke about the quilt and called it by its colors, “my black and blue piece,” something hit home. During the summer of 2019 when I was working on it, I felt like the American democracy was bruised black and blue. American Democracy, 2019 seemed like a logical title.

A Funny thing Happened on the way to my Next Quilt

After I began gathering medium blue, white and black fabrics for American Democracy, 2019, I neglected to refer back to the fairy wren photo. Only after I had finished the piece and did I take another look at it. Much to my surprise, I realized that the bird actually had a lot of purple on it. I immediately set about creating a second piece incorporating more purple. Here is the result, Splendid Fairy Wren, abstract art quilt.

purple black ,white medium blue abstract art quilt — Splendid Fairy Wren
30″ h x 25″ w

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/adding-color-to-your-art-quilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/scribble-quilting/ https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/scribble-quilting-part-2-the-process/

black and blue abstract art quilt — American Democracy,2019,28″ h x 27″ w

Helpful Hints

When trying out fabrics, I always start with larger pieces. Then after cutting or fitting in place, they may be much smaller. The sewing takes up some of the fabric. It is always better to have too much than too little.This is the completed art quilt.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Need Punch? Add Color to your Art Quilts

Splendid Fairy Wren Australia

Adding Color to your Art Quilts

Color is probably the art element that attracts and motivates most artists to begin work. For most people it is the most engaging aspect. For my take on this subject, I am going to focus on how I choose to adding color to my abstract art quilts. In general, I chooose 3-4 colors to work with. Then I find the range of hues from light to dark to add for balance and interest. I often use bright colors while I find a pale palette of beiges and whites to be very calming. I work on a large white flannel design wall.

To begin, Where do I get my ideas? How do I decide on which colors I want to work with? Most of my materials are from FABMO, a non profit that gets castoff materials from designers. Swatches of a wide range of colors with slight variations provide a lot of choices. Here are some ideas I have inspired me to get started.

A Photograph

A friend sent me this photograph of a colorful bird from Australia. Rarely do I work from photographs. I will not be using the bird however, the hues of purple,blue and black will be in an abstract art quilt in the near future.

Look Down

While working on a piece,I tossed the extra fabric in a box on the floor next to me. I did this repeated. At the end of the day, I looked down and saw these wonderful grey and lime green colors together. I gathered them up and put the in a special place to work on later. This was the piece inspired by leftovers. May I note that I usually don’t use these colors.

Lingering Fog,34" x 34" 86 x86 cm 2019, a grey,white and lime green abstract art quilt — Lingering Fog,34″ x 34″ 86 x86 cm 2019

Using Up Materials

Sometimes I just start a project with materials or colors that I want to use up. I might have too big a piece of fabric or too much of one color. Some artists might find this idea very unorthodox or even unsettling. When I started City Lights, I had a pile of blue fabric that I wanted to diminish. Sand Between My Toes allowed me to make use of whites and beiges. Sea Turtles is not an abstract art quilts but I had a large piece of blue synthetic fabric that I used for the background. The turquoise plants are also created from fabric I wanted to use up.

City Lights, lots of blues and purples with pops of other colors, 24" x 22" — City Lights, a fabric art quilt,24″ x 22″

Sea Turtles,an underwater fantasy art quilt,Sea Turtles 35" x 23 " 2014 — Sea Turtles 35″ x 23 ” 2014

an abstract art quilt in pale colors — Sand Between My Toes

Use the Palette of a Commercial Piece of Fabric

A fabric friend suggested this to me several years ago. I have to admit I couldn’t wrap my mind around this idea for a long time. Go to a fabric store. Look at the colors on the commercial fabrics. Very experienced designers work to create these prints. Choose a palette that you would like to use. You don’t need to use the fabric just let the colors inspire you.

In my abstract art quilt, Spring Break I did use some of the fabric. However, the process of chosing the materials was driven by the colors of the original piece of redirected linen. I looked for complementary colors from the fabrics I already had.

Spring Break, an abstract art quilt of blues, yellows and green — Spring Break

Multicolored Blue Linen Fabric — I built the fabrics around this piece of fabric.

In conclusion, inspiration for art can be found in many unusual places. Inspiration comes from spending time in your studio. Keep your mind open and inspiration will appear.

Here are some other articles that you may be interested in.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-discontinued-fabrics/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/the-amazing-story-of-fabmo-how-two-dedicated-people-can-make-a-big-difference/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/creating-movement-in-abstract-art-quilts/

The following article is about Spring Break, art quilt.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/09/abstract-art-quilts-a-work-in-progress/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

How to Create Movement in Art Quilts

Winter Sunset greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract art quilt.

Creating Movement in Art

Above all as an artist I am interesting in creating movement in art.That is how I answered this question.“What are the essential elements you want your audience to know about your work? What do you want them to take away from seeing your art? “ asked a fiber artist friend.

She is well versed in the deep discussions generated by involvement with the Artist Conference Network. The ideas I had been thinking about came together. The question brought my ideas into focus; color, texture, movement. At this time I would like to address creating movement in my abstract art quilt pieces.

Subtle Wavy Lines

How does one make movement on something that is inherently static and flat? At first, I attempted to make every seam a curved line. That turned out to be a poor choice that affected the over all shape of the piece. I learned some straight lines are important for shape and balance. Another true life lesson learned, the importance of balance. Choose seams carefully for the visual impact. They may be wildly or gently shaped curves.

Activity on the Material

To begin, I choose the fabrics with movement in mind. I look for interestingly curved shapesthat are part of the fabric’s design. When I cut them up, they add interest and drama. They catch the eye and draw it in.

When I first selected this fabric of elongated greyhound dogs, I didn’t even notice the dogs just the colors and the shapes. I couched threads, rotated the fabric and then sliced the fabric into usable pieces. The shape of the animals disappeared yet the movement of their bodies remained. Other fabrics provide a pop of action to the piece. Creating the illusion of movement is an essential part of my abstract art quilts.

grey and black dogs — Greyhounds with some couching of yarn

black and white branches on an indigo died background — Skyward, the finished art quilt

Couching Decorative Threads

Couching decorative threads is another technique that is an essential part of my tool box. I sew multiple colored threads or yarns on to a strip of fabric. Then I cut them up into random lengths and use them as fabric. At first,the main purpose was to add texture to my pieces. Yet, sewing the threads in undulating parallel lines creates the slightest of distortion and movement.

An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colors — Long strips of cotton with the threads couched on them.

Adding Tucks

Adding tucks is another technique that started out as a way to add texture to a piece. However, movement was created at the same time. Tucks are small seams that run along the folded edge of fabric. When quilting over a series of parallel tucks they are folded up or down. This creates an illusion of movement.

green and teal art quilt with a pop of magenta — Upwelling , Tucks run the width of several pieces to create movement.

Using the Design Wall

I create my abstracts on a design wall. I take time to balance the colors, fabrics, and quiet spaces for eyes to rest. Looking at the piece with fresh eyes may take several days or longer before sewing all the pieces together. Abstract artists have the added benefit of being able to rotate the completed piece. They check to see if viewing the piece from another direction it may actually improves it. It just might happen. Just because it was conceived and executed in one direction doesn’t mean that it cannot look better “upside down.”

Creating Movement While Quilting

In addition, the quilting process adds movement. I begin quilting in the middle of the piece making basically a large grid about 5” apart. Then the fun begins. I start quilting from corner to corner gently turning the fabric slightly side to side as I quilt. The thread line creates the movement. If the thread color contrasts with the fabric color, then the threads stand out. When the thread color matches the fabric, the thread may seem to disappear, yet the movement remains on a more subtle level. Many viewers look closer to try and understand how that affect can be.

an abstract art quilt using African fabrics — Mossy Rocks, an art quilt

“It Dances.”

A former colleague of mine made an unsolicited comment about my work, “It dances.” Her remark touched me on several levels. Years earlier she admitted that she had no interest in attending an art quilt show. So when I heard her comment, I felt that I had truly opened her eyes to a new art form.

The Importance of Movement in Art Quilts

As you can tell movement in an art quilt is important to me. Yet not all art quilters share my view. A trend in quilting art quilts seems to be creating as many stitching lines on a piece as possible. These lines tend to be straight lines with about ¼” spacing . They may turn at sharp corners.

Does your quilting squash your fabric?

While attending a recent national art quilt shows, I noticed that almost 75% of the quilts had such quilting. I admit that such narrow line quilting may be effective for some pieces. The skill level is high for the artists that work that way. However, this style makes me cringe. Squashing and smashing the fabric into flat controlled pieces actually saddens me.Such tight stitching suffocates the fabric preventing it from moving or breathing.

In Conclusion

I create movement in several ways in my abstract art pieces. Some pieces of fabric are chosen based on their design element of movement. Couching decorative threads and tucks into gently waving lines adds subtle movement. Pieces are sewn together in a curve line piecing technique. Finally the artist generates wavy lines all over the piece quilting the three layers of fabric together.

Other resources that you may be interested in.

You may be interested in finding out more about the Artist Conference Network. It is an artist driven organization supporting artists as their more towards their artistic goals. Groups meet periodically to share and review each artist’s goals.

Home

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/scribble-quiltin…rt-2-the-process/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/scribble-quilting/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/couching-threads…d-creating-fabri/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/01/couching-zigzag-…-to-art-quilts-2/

How to Improve Your Next Art Quilt

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Is it Important to Frame an Art Quilt?

How to Create Movement in Abstract Art Quilts

Several Works in Progress

Art Quilts at New York Art

Sand Between My Toes

Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts proudly announces that the following abstract art quilts are now on display on the website of New York Art; Beach Umbrellas, Sand Between My Toes, and Sunlit Boulders. They will be displayed in the future in the New York Art Gallery, 7 Franklin Place , TriBeCa, New York,10013.

https://newyorkart.com/search?q=ann+baldwin+may

https://newyorkart.com/

Turquoise, yellow , and green fabrics in this bright art quiltArt Quilts at New York Art — Beach Umbrellas, 37″ x37″ 2016

Brown, green and cream colors of fabric in this art quilt,Art Quilts at New York Art — Sunlit Boulders
31″ x28″ 2016

Light colored fabrics with a pop of gold and blue in this art quilt,Art Quilts at New York Art — Sand Between My Toes 30″ x 25″ 2015

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/visual-arts-network-santa-cruz-county/

How to make an Abstract Art Quilt with Sunset Through the Forest as as an example.

How to Get Started

choose Your colors

First, I prefer to choose a few contrasting colors. Then I search through my materials for fabrics, decorative yarns and threads in those colors. Sometimes I also choose lighter and darker hues of the same colors.

Make details with decorative threads.

Next, it is fun to make patterns with the decorative threads. For this piece I used the decorative threads to make several parallel lines on the fabric. I cut long strips and sewed the decorative threads in long lines.Then I randomly cut the long strips into 3 or other odd number of pieces. Creating texture- done!

green yellow bits — Several different examples of decorative details

On the Design Wall

Next, I display the potential finalist fabrics on my design wall. My favorite choices are fabrics with movement and interest. Then, I also make sure that they are places for eyes to rest by including solid colors.

green yellow bits on design wall — Trying out green and yellow bits of fabric randomly placed on the design wall

Balancing Colors

Next, balance out the colors and textured pieces so that they are not all on one side of the piece. Don’t be afraid to take a break to come back to view the work with fresh eyes. A fresh look is always helpful in looking for ways to improve a piece. How will one’s eyes move around the art work? Elimination of fabrics can still take place.

green yellow farther along — Balancing the fabrics and colors

Sewing Smaller Pieces Together

Continue to sew small pieces of fabrics together. Then remember to balance colors and fabrics so that they are equally spaced about the piece. Use this advantage of a design wall to view your whole piece.

Sunset Through Forest, art quilt — Small pieces are sewn together

Sewing More Pieces Together

Continue sewing pieces together and checking for balance.

finished top Sunset Through Forest — finished top, Sunset Through the Forest

Finishing

Lastly,I scribble quilt the three layers together to create an added level of movement. Scribble quilting is a technique I named using a flowing quilting line created by moving the quilt side to side while quilting with a walking foot.

Time to Learn about the Newest Art Genre-Art Quilts

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How to See Much Art in a Day?Juried Open Studios 2019

Juried Open Studios 2019

Announcing my participation in the juried Juried Open Studios 2019. Sponsered by the Arts Council of Santa Cruz County.
Saturday and Sunday, October 5-6 , October 19-20. Moreover,my venue is at the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. located in the Historic Downtown Santa Cruz. Above all, I fill the lobby with Color! Texture! Movement! from11 to 5 pm each weekend. In addition,free motion quilting and curved line piecing demonstrations take place throughout the day.

Juried Open Studios Tour 2019 — Lingering Fog, art quilt

County Wide Event

Similarly,artists from all over the county open up their studios for three weekends in October. As a result of so many artists residing in the county, the group is divided in half. One part participates on the first weekend of the month. The second part participates on the second weekend of the month. After that,any artist can open their studios for the third weekend called the encore weekend.

bright blues, greens and yellow fabrics in this art quilt Juried Open Studios Tour 2019 — Beach Umbrellas,an abstract art quilt

This will be my fourth year of participation in the Open Studios Tour featuring over 300 artists. Although my studio is small for Open Studios and First Fridays, I hang my art quilts in the lobby of Santa Cruz Art Center. I fill the artium or lobby with Color! Texture and Movement! There is room for from 10-20 large art quilts.

You may also be interested in these links.https://www.artscouncilsc.org/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/visual-arts-network-santa-cruz-county/

See my art, ATLAS Revisited in Art Quilting Studio

Art Quilting Magazine cover, June,2019

ATLAS Revisited

ATLAS Revisited, an art quilt inspired by the ATLAS at CERN is on page 127 of the Summer Edition,2019 of Art Quilting Magazine.

Collaboration between local artists and PhD physics candidates

First, Dr. Stephanie Bailey, Physics professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz announced collaboration between local artists and PhD physics candidates. My daughter‘s boyfriend is a physicist. As a result, this former history major thought that participation would be a good way for me to connect with him. However, my student collaborator studies theoretical physics. First,he showed me photos online of collider event displays. Smashing subatomic particles together creates a collider event display.They create predictable patterns and colors. Some look amazingly like fiber. I choose a photo of ATLAS at CERN to make my art quilt.

Techniques

Generally, I don’t work from a photograph. My inspiration usually comes from how the materials play with one another. However, due to the special circumstances of theoretical physics, I was forced to work from a photo. This required me to work backwards. I usually don’t do that. Working backwards entails thinking through each process of making your art piece before getting started. I had to figure out what would go on last. I had to have an idea of where I would end up and the steps to get there before even starting.

After that,I chose my fabrics based on the colors of the photograph. I had to eliminate some aspects of the photo due to size limitations. I hand stitched a running stitch of contrasting embroidery thread for some pieces. For others I strip pieced and then cut them apart. I made the starburst in the center by couching or zig zagging yarn. Light machine quilting was done by curved line stitching I call scribble quilting. See all of the collaboration art pieces at the R. Blitzer Gallery in Santa Cruz, California March, 2019.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/press-coverage/

Links that might interest you.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/inspiration-and-the-collider-event/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/01/collider-event-displays/

https://stampington.com/art-quilting-studio/

https://www.physics.ucsc.edu/faculty/Faculty-Awards/index.html

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

New Kind of Talk-Pechakucha Laser Talk

Spring Break, 32" x32", $695.

Pechakucha Laser Talk

First of all,I prepared this Pechakucha laser talk in anticipation of presenting it at an art quilt meeting. The Pechakucha,a Japanese word for chitchat. To clarify it is a format that gives a speaker a limited amount of time to discuss a topic. For example, I would have 4 minutes to present a limited number of photos to on one topic. At the same time,numerous presenters of a variety of topics are able to share. That is to say that I prepared to discuss my passion for making art quilts from redirected materials. Moreover,FABMO, a local nonprofit is where I get my materials from. http://fabmo.org

My Art Quilt World

To begin,I do nature art quilts, abstracts and Mexican inspired fabric collages. Furthermore, I am very passionate about using redirected materials and threads to keep them out of the landfill. My inspiration comes from the materials I find at FABMO . I have been a volunteer there for many years. To clarify,I brought photos from three pieces that I completed recently to present at this Pechakucha laser talk. So I could share the process with you.

Spring Break, an art quilt

Blues , greens and light colors on a piece of linen,Pechakucha laser talk — Paisley pattern on linen

First I choose the fabric, Here is the material I started with. I liked the variety of color and decided to use the colors as a basis of an abstract art quilt.

green and blue pieces of fabric on a design wall,Pechakucha laser talk — Step 1 Beginning to place pieces on the design wall randomly

Next, I couched decorative threads and yarns with the idea of making interesting details. Then I cut up the strips randomly to use as fabric. Following that trying out other fabrics on the design wall.You can see several examples of redirected couched ribbon and yarn on different colored fabric.

Blue, yellow and green fabrics with ribbon and yarn couched on it,Pechakucha laser talk

Finally,the completed piece using scribble quilting. Scribble quilting moves the quilt side to side while quilting to create flowing lines of sewing.

Skyward, an art quilt

grey and black dogs,Pechakucha laser talk — Greyhounds

Black and grey dogs on a white background,Pechakucha laser talk — Greyhounds in another direction

Originally, I chose this FABMO fabric for the movement and stark lines. But when choosing the fabric,I didn’t even noticed the dogs. They were not of interest for me. First,I began to couch green and black threads.

Redirected yarn is couching on the black and white material,Pechakucha laser talk — Here, I zigzagged a variety of colors.

Then,I continued couching other colored threads. Some of these threads were light blue but read more like grey against the light grey part of the fabric.

Black and white fabric cut into form branches on a blue sky ,Pechakucha laser talk — Can you believe that the tree is made from the same material?

Finally, I was ready to use the fabric to create tree branches. Using the fabric layering technique,I laid the back fabric down on the table.Of course the back is also another piece of material from FABMO. I covered it with batting and I laid an indigo dyed piece on top for the sky background.

Completed piece of black and white branches on a sky blue background.Pechakucha laser talk — The finished art quilt just showed the tree tops.

The finished piece,Skyward,succeeds in its interplay of light and dark on the branches. On the other hand,one doesn’t notice the dogs at all.

Under the Shady Tree, an art quilt

A leafy tree leans over a fence. — The finished art quilt, Under the Shady Tree made from redirected materials.

Next is the finished piece of under the Shady Tree. Aficionados of redirected materials may recognize the fence fabric. To clarify, I used the fabric layering technique.

Tree branches with leaves fallingPechakucha laser talk — Unusual materials can be used in unique ways.

Furthermore,notice several leaves with bluish and gold colors. To be clear,I used a multicolored synthetic knit that kept rolling up in other projects. I couched it to help it lay flat. Then I cut it into leaves.

tree branches against a beige background — a different view

Last but not least,Shiny sheer fabrics add interest.

Multicolored threads around the base of the tree,Pechakucha laser talk — Take apart details and see what interesting fibers one can find.

Creating Texture

Moreover,texture is created by taking apart fabric details. They can be used as bunches of threads to add interest. One can also find decorative threads,ribbon and small cording . Lastly, I laid it on the foreground , covered it with tulle netting and free motioned quilted the three layers together.

To sum up,I am all about color, texture, and movement which I create using redirected materials. Thank you for letting me share some of my recent works with you.

In conclusion, learn more about these techniques.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/fabric-layering-technique-another-look/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/wacky-fun-quilting-again/

To learn or refresh your memory about this all volunteer organization you may read the following article.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/12/the-amazing-stor…a-big-difference/

‎https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/12/coming-into-my-own-as-an-art-quilter/

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/use-redirected-fabric-in-art-quilts/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

I Love Mistakes-Learn from Them.

We all make mistakes but then learn from them. I Love Mistakes-Learn from them. I would like to share some mistakes that I have learned from. All mistakes are not bad. Errors are often touted as being something to avoid. Keeping one’s mind open can lead to embrasing errors as a good discovery. Postits and the microwave oven, for example, were originally mistakes.

grasses in the wetlands with a moon overhead,Mistakes that I have Not Regretted — Grasses in the wetlands with a moon overhead

A Fabric Layering Technique Example

While working on a wetlands fabric layering piece, some fabric turned under at the top. This unexpectedly added movement and added interest to the marsh. I continued doing it and added it to my toolbox. I Love Mistakes. Learn from them.

An Abstract Example

One example is how I discovered a signature detail of mine by mistake. When working on abstract pieces, I generally first pull out all of the possible fabrics within my chosen range of colors. A particular color was missing. Not finding a bigger amount, I solved my problem by sewing some small pieces together at odd angles to make a large enough piece of material. It pleased me,I liked the way it looked.

I Love Mistakes-Learn from them.

This example is how I discovered a signature detail of mine by mistake. I started to do it more. sewing small pieces of fabric together (about 1-1 1/2″ long) that had been trimmed off other pieces. Not wanting to waste any fabric anyway, I now often include some small pieces sewn together to each of my abstracts. I is now my signature detail.

greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract,Mistakes that I have Not Regretted — Greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract art quilt

Tension Takes Over

Another example is the day the tension on my machine seemed to have a mind of its own. The sewing machine started to pull the bobbin thread from the bottom up to the top of the fabric. Stitches looked like dots. I liked the effect. I tried it using different colored threads. Using a cream colored fabric,I preferred a black thread on the bobbin(bottom) and a cream colored thread for the top. I adjusted the tension so that the bottom thread would pull up and create dots .

white fabric with black thread pulling to the top — stitches with poor tension

decorative stitches created by black thread being pulled to the top of white fabric — Knots, detail showing stitching with poor tension

In Conclusion

Keep an open mind towards mistakes. Are they interesting? Do they make your piece more interesting? Then accept your mistake. Learn to love and accept mistakes.Learn from them. Add the technique to your toolkit and use it. Embrace new discoveries.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/09/inspiration-from-one-fabric/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/product/grey-laotian-reverse-applique/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Video of Art Display 2

View this Video of Art Display 2 from the show at the Santa Cruz County Building, 701 Ocean St. 2018 on the first floor.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/videos-2/

tree with branches, leaves falling, picket fence in fabricVideo of Art Display 2 — Under the Shady Tree 27″ x 38″

Color! Texture! Movement!

Art quilts by Ann Baldwin May are all about color, texture and movement. Her inspiration comes from the natural world as well as from Mexican and Native American Influences. Motivation stems from how the materials play with one another. Her materials of choice are redirected fabrics from the San Francisco Design Center.

The artist’s portfolios includes abstracts, seascapes, landscapes and Mexican inspired fabric collages. Artist created fiber details, tucks or found objects add texture. Flowing quilting lines and curved line piecing creates movement . Techniques include curved line piecing, free motion quilting, and fabric layering.

Bio

Ann Baldwin May was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. She received her education from University of California, Irvine. She has a BA History,anElementary Teaching Credential, and a Masters in Teaching Spanish. Her first quilting class was in 1975. She retired in 2012. She worked 30 years as a bilingual teacher and Bilingual Resource Teacher in Watsonville, California.

Being an Artist

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. Five pieces were recently purchased by Kaiser Permanente for their Santa Cruz County facilities. Her work reflects her inspiration of materials, nature and her love and respect for the Mexican culture.
Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour. Visit her studio and gallery in the Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St. #4 Downtown S.C.

Organizations

Pájaro Valley Quilt Association (PVQA),a past president, secretary and parliamentarian.
Santa Cruz Art League
Pájaro Valley Arts Council
Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA)-international art quilters organization
New Fiber Group of Santa Cruz County

https://www.artscouncilsc.org/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/videos-of-art-quilts/art-quilt-display-video-1/

Organized by Art Council Santa Cruz

Video of Art Display 1

Watch this Video of Art Display 1. The art quilts were on display at the Santa Cruz County Building 701 Ocean St. facility, first floor in 2018.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/10/myself-the-artist/

an abstract art quilt black and white with bits of color

Gridlock II, an abstract art quilt

My Art Quilts

Simply,my art quilts may be abstract, whimsical or impressionistic. Furthermore,inspiration comes from the natural world as well as from Mexican and Native American influences. In addition, materials of choice are redirected fabrics and found objects. They come from the San Francisco Design Center. In addition,art quilts let me to play with color and texture. My technique, Scribble Quilting allows me to create movement on many of my pieces.

A Short Bio

I was born and raised in Palo Alto, California.In high school I studied sewing and clothing construction for two years. Later,I continued to sew much of my wardrobe. As a newlywed, I took my first quilting class at a neighborhood fabric store in Huntington Beach. My husband and I lived and traveled in Europe for a year.Then we moved to Santa Cruz, California in 1980. I continued to sew clothes and make quilts for my family.I stopped counting bed quilts at 300. After teaching 30 years in Watsonville as a bilingual teacher, I retired.

http://saqa.org/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

See A New Abstract Art Quilt Work in Progress

Winter Sunset greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract art quilt.

Abstract Art Quilt Work in Progress

Abstract Art Quilt Work in Progress, Winter Sunset

This work in progress shows the steps I follow to create an abstract piece of art. Designing my abstract art quilts begins with choosing a group of colors. Inspiration for this quilt came from the greys and pinks of a winter sunset. I pick the decorative threads that I want to work with. I choose fabric that fits into the shades of colors that I chose. This time I want the colors to blend together and hardly be noticeable. Look for the green marbled fabric I added for that purpose. Choosing mnaterials from my stash is my favorite part of the creaive process.

Couching Decorative Threads and Yarns

Couching decorative threads and yarns to a long strip of fabric is fun. I use little pieces that might otherwise be thrown away. Each person’s eyes will blend the colors together differently. Then I randomly cut up the strips to use as fabric. I place the fabric on the design wall. Then I move the pieces around until I like it.

Keep Colors and Textures Balanced.

Beginning to sew the pieces together, I keep my eye out to make sure that the balance of the colors and textures is good.

I keep adjusting the fabrics adding and subtracting fabrics as I go. Until I get it just right in my eye’s mind.I begin sewing small pieces together.

I continue sewing pieces pieces together. Here you can tell that the pieces are getting larger.

I moved some other pieces around. Sewing together continued. I finished sewing or piecing the top together.. The quilt sandwich has the top, the batting and the backing fabric pinned together to quilt.

I use my wacky fun scribble quilting technique to quilt the three layers together creating an added level of movement. Scribble quilting is a technique I named. I move the quilt side to side while quilting with a walking foot.

You may be interested in reading more at Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) website.

http://www.saqa.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/06/abstract-art-in-fabric/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

Santa Cruz Art Center

Santa Cruz Art Center Businesses

Santa Cruz Art Center 1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz offers a wide range of design businesses and art.

A visit to the Art Center in not complete without a visit to 11th Hour Coffee. The coffee is roasted on site. Food is also available. Spacious seating area inside or outside in the back or front courtyard. Find your sun or shade!

Other Businesses include

Santa Cruz Food Lounge, Suite 1 – a downtown special event venue. Available for community meetings. A community hub focused on outstanding food, art, entertainment, education.
Jenna McClure, Suite 2 Providing a green business offering organic and biodynamic products.
Exceptional customer care
831-440-8112
www.jennamcclureprofessional.com
Actor’s Theatre
Body Resultz Skin Care, Suite 3
Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts, Suite 4 Working studio and gallery. abstract art quilts, nature or Mexican inspired fabric collages. Pre covid,I filled the lobby each First Fridays and Open Studios. Color! Texture! and Movement! 831.345.1466
Eleventh Hour office space, Suite 5
Janet Croteau Psychotherapy, Suite 6
Kim Sammet College Counseling, Suite 7
https://www.piquemovement.com/
Beyond the Box | Design Collective, 15Cyndi Mosher AKBD Designer/Owner
Studio of Anna O.
Actors Theatre

Arts at the Santa Cruz Art Center , Facebook page

Follow the art activities on our Facebook Page, Arts at the Santa Cruz Art Center.This group is open to the public. Anyone can post there. The only rule is the activity must take place at the Art Center.The purpose is to highlight the arts related businesses and activities. Located at1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz, CA. Many venues feature art for the monthly First Fridays Art Tour.

The Public is Welcome.

We invite those who present or host events in the SC Art Center to join this group. All events taking place there are welcome. The usual activities include music, theatre, visual arts, or dancing .In the past there have been poetry readings, comedy, mystery dinners and book launchings. Advertise your show.

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=arts%20at%20the%20art%20center

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/visual-arts-network-santa-cruz-county/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/04/arts-at-santa-cruz-center/

Do you know Cindy Grisdela,art quilter?

CindyGrisdela, art quilter

Read this interview about Cindy Grisdela,art quilter by Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA) too good not to share.

SAQA: When did you begin making art with fabric? Do you work in other media as well?

GRISDELA: I started sewing when I was 10. My mother decided I was old enough to be trusted with her beloved Singer. I studied art in high school and college experimenting with painting, drawing, ceramics, sculpture and weaving.I made my first quilt in 1983. After seeing an article in a magazine of a queen size Trip Around the World, I wanted to make one. After that I was hooked. I spent a number of years making traditional quilts as a creative outlet while I raised my family. About 15 years ago, I got bored with following patterns. So I started seriously trying to make my own art in fabric.

Color and Texture

SAQA: What inspires you?

GRISDELA: I’m inspired by abstraction, color and texture. I enjoy playing with color and seeing how various colors and shapes interact. One of the reasons I create with fabric instead of with paint is the ability to add another dimension to my compositions. I can add texture with dense free motion quilting. The stitching is an integral part of the composition. It is not just a means to hold the three layers together.

SAQA: Have any artists or art movements influenced your work?

GRISDELA: I have a degree in Art History. There are always lots of influences rattling around in my head. I love Abstract Expressionism, especially the Color Field School of artists. Matisse’s cut outs are important to me, as are Klee, Kandinsky and Klimt. I’m also drawn to the work of Robert and Sonia Delaunay. Among quilt artists, I am indebted to the work of Gwen Marston who was an early influence.

SAQA: What techniques and materials do you use?

GRISDELA: I use hand dyed fabrics to create almost all of my current work mostly by Cherrywood Fabrics. I experimented with dyeing my own fabrics a number of years ago, but realized that’s not my skill. So I’m happy supporting others who do it well.All of my work now is created using improvisational piecing techniques and free motion quilting. I enjoy the dialogue that happens when I’m just cutting out colors and shapes intuitively. One decision leads to the next. It’s a little like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. Only I get to decide what the picture is going to look like. I do all my quilting without marking ahead of time or using a computer program.

A Lakeside Studio

SAQA: Where do you create?

GRISDELA: I have a studio in the basement of our townhouse. I look out on the lake while I’m sewing. It’s a very peaceful retreat. The commute downstairs is great too! I also have a shared space with nine other artists a short distance from my home. I’m the only fiber artist in the group. But it’s good to be around other creative people and share inspiration. I try to spend one day a week there.

Artmaking and Business

SAQA: How do you reconcile the artmaking and business sides of your creative life?

GRISDELA: That’s the tough part. For the last ten years I’ve been traveling extensively showing an selling my work at fine art and fine craft shows all over the country. I do about 12-14 shows a year. I also have an active blog and presence on Instagram and Facebook. I’m a regular contributor to the SAQA (Studio Art Quilter Associates)Journal.

I spend about half my time on the business side. This entails writing, applying to shows, keeping my website up to date, marketing, and other business. I like to spend time in the studio in the morning and early afternoon. That’s when I’m most creat I work on other business later in the day. I keep lists and work backward to make sure enough time is allotted to keep my inventory up for the shows. Sometimes I’m writing blog posts or marketing pieces on the road.

Publications

SAQA: Have you published books or been a guest on an art-related media program?

GRISDELA: My new book, Artful Improv: Explore Color Recipes, Building Blocks & Free Motion Quilting, was just released by C&T Publishing in October 2016. It’s a friendly guide to creating your own original art quilts without a pattern, using simple design principles and improv techniques.

What’s next?

SAQA: What are you working on now? What’s next?

GRISDELA: I will continue doing shows. Probably not as many as I did in 2017. I’m doing a lot more teaching now to promote the book. It’s such fun to see a diverse group of artists come together for a day or more to explore their individual creativity. Each person’s work is different from the others and different from mine. We all bring our own personalities and backgrounds to the table.

I also have plans to work on a new series of larger improv quilts. The great thing about improv is there’s always something new to explore!

View more of Cindy Grisdela’s work on her website and SAQA Juried Artist Member profile

https://www.cindygrisdela.com/

Connect with Cindy Grisdela on Facebook and Instagram

Follow Cindy Grisdela on Twitter and Pinterest

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/07/a-world-of-fiber-art/

Becoming More Creative

They must be a Genius.

Creativity is not a Fixed Entity.

Making Choices

Plan something. Then Work to make it Better.

Fresh Eyes

In Conclusion

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Inspiration for an Abstract Art Quilt

Naming the Piece

A Funny thing Happened on the way to my Next Quilt

Helpful Hints

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Adding Color to your Art Quilts

A Photograph

Look Down

Using Up Materials

Use the Palette of a Commercial Piece of Fabric

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Creating Movement in Art

Subtle Wavy Lines

Activity on the Material

Couching Decorative Threads

Adding Tucks

Using the Design Wall

Creating Movement While Quilting

“It Dances.”

The Importance of Movement in Art Quilts

Does your quilting squash your fabric?

In Conclusion

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How to Get Started

choose Your colors

Make details with decorative threads.

On the Design Wall

Balancing Colors

Sewing Smaller Pieces Together

Sewing More Pieces Together

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Juried Open Studios 2019

County Wide Event

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ATLAS Revisited

Collaboration between local artists and PhD physics candidates

Techniques

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Pechakucha Laser Talk

My Art Quilt World

Spring Break, an art quilt

Skyward, an art quilt

Under the Shady Tree, an art quilt

Creating Texture

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A Fabric Layering Technique Example

An Abstract Example

I Love Mistakes-Learn from them.

Tension Takes Over

In Conclusion

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Video of Art Display 2

Color! Texture! Movement!

Bio

Being an Artist

Organizations

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Video of Art Display 1

My Art Quilts

A Short Bio