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 21st 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.
Consider this one way to advance your art,the art critique. Do you feel tnat you have reached a certain level? Feeling comfortable with your skill level? Having your art work critiqued can be a powerful experience. One needs to be confident enough in themselves and their work to explain their process, inspiration or project clearly. Furthermore,one must be open to listening to suggestions and new ideas.
At first glance the words, art critique sounds like criticize. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The art critique looks for the strengths of a piece and ways in which the artist may improve their piece and/or their technique. It can be a learning process for all involved. Providing guidelines or a structure for participants helps everyone to understand the process.It can be a valuable learning experience for all participants.Most importantly, the art critique should give the artist a way forward . What is the artist’s plan for further development for the future?
There are many online resources for critiques. A critique should be more than just ” I like this” or “I don’t like that.” Probing questions that require deep thinking on the artist’s part about one ‘s choices is more helpful. This is the hard part for participants. Each must be prepared to participate is a meaningful way. Moreover, this can take practice, Repeated opportunities to discuss one’s art work and critique the work of others in this way help.
Furthermore,knowing the art critique process beforehand helps everyone to be able to participate on some level. Ideally, as artists we will internalize the questions so that we will ask ourselves these deep questions while we are in the process of creating our future pieces.
Suggested Norms of a Critique
All participants are familiar with the process before beginning. Ideally they will be able to read the procedure well in advance.
All participants will develop a probing question of interest to them.
All participants will actively join in.
A non threatening environment is essential. Focus on the process not the individual artist.
Practice the procedure many times. With ongoing critiques rotating so that each artist will have their work viewed and discussed.
A wide range of art levels experiences is valued.
A Coaching Organization
Attending a meeting of the Artists Conference Network was a powerful and inspiring experience for me. This national organization has a well developed program and coaching structure. Each artist designs their own plan including timeline. Therein lies the power; the artist is in control of their own path. However, the time committment is substantial. I attended with a friend hoping to start a local group. Unfortunately, a local group wasn’t formed.
Artists Conference Network https://artistconference.com/ outlines the art critique process. The following is from their website. The Artist Conference is a network of local communities of artists trained in the coaching structure. They coach each other weekly towards their goals and share their creative work at meetings every two to three weeks. The structure is equally effective for amateurs and professionals, and the communities welcome anyone working in any creative field of endeavor, even if you don’t call yourself an “artist”. Check out their website for a group near you.
One Critique
Several years ago I volunteered to get my work critiqued at a regional SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates http://www.saqa.com/ ) meeting. This proved a new experience for me. We met in Oakland, California about 75 miles from my home in the beautiful studio of one of our members. A meeting full of friendly faces and a wide range of skill sets was a perfect spot for the art critique to take place. However, it was a one time event.
Another Critique
Another experience I had with critiques was with a small fiber group I was a member of. It was helpful that we met regularly and were comfortable with each other. We formed our group with the idea of celebrating fiber in many of its wonderful forms. However,our artistic experiences were very different. Our lack of experience in the process of each others’ work hindered our ability to contribute to the art critique on a highly skilled level.
Both of the critiques I participated in would have benefited from a clear format to follow. Repeated practice with the critique process makes for a positive experience for all.
More that once people have visited my studio and commented “You are so brave.” “What? Why?I am brave to do my art? What do they mean? “First of all, being brave is taking action even though one is scared or afraid. On the other hand,being a brave artist is discovering one’s artistic strengths, developing them, and staying true to them. That I have tried to do. As with many things, it is a work in progress.
Am a brave person?
Ultimately, I don’t feel brave in my day-to-day life. Following rules on the road keep us safe. I don’t want to get caught doing something that I am not supposed to do or that I would not be proud of. I follow the rules. For this reason, I don’t consider myself brave. There are real things in this world to be afraid of. I know that. On the other hand, some things are easy for me that I know others struggle with. Talking with the public is easy for me. As a retired school teacher, I am used to speaking to many unusual types of people.
Doing my Art is not Scary.
Blowing glass at temperatures of 3000 degrees is scary. But sewing and playing with fabric is not. When making art quilts, I have no problem taking chances. I am doing what I want. For me,being a brave artist is easy. My three portfolios that I must make are Mexican inspired, abstracts and nature art quilts. My pieces do not always look similar. After all, what fun would that be?
My small studio in the Santa Cruz Art Center has three walls to display my art, a design wall, a design table and a table with my sewing machine on it. I can work here and yet open my doors to the public for First Fridays and Open Studios. A fortunate possibility,yes. I am not sure how that makes me brave. Maybe trying new fabrics styles and techniques in bright colors makes me brave.
Creating involves Pain.
Have you ever noticed that creating art involves pain or an uneasiness? When I first begin a project but I do not yet have a clear idea of the direction the piece will take, is when I feel pain or an uneasiness in the pit of my stomach. Once I have a clearer idea of the direction my piece will take the anxiety goes away. However, that is different from fear.
A brave artist pushes through and doesn’t let the anxiety stop them. In that case, then I am brave. Gathering my experience in making traditional bed quilts and then switching gears to art quilts just felt right. I do take chances with fabric and design. I forge ahead without much thought. When I am starting a piece, I don’t worry too much about my choices. If I make a mistake, I can always make another piece. Then I will own the fact that I am a brave art quilter.
A Good Sense of Color
Visitors to my studio have told me that I have a good sense of color. This comment always takes me by surprise. Where does this skill come from? I have never studied art or the color wheel. On the other hand, I did start sewing my own clothes in high school a long time ago. I remember designing and planning out my outfits. I paid attention to the variety of colors and textures in my wardrobe. Doesn’t every teenage girl do that? I assumed so.
So fast forward. . .decades ahead I fall into art quilting after making bed quilts for many years. I realize that without knowing it I had been trying out colors my whole life. For part of my 36 years as an elementary school teacher, I taught at an arts infused school. I did receive a wide variety of training in the arts including drama and dance. When guest artists taught my class in sketching or drawing, I took part so that I could repeat their lesson in the following years. But no work foccussed specifically on color.
Trying is the first step to being a brave artist.
Recently an acquaintance mentioned that she wanted to start sketching, yet she was afraid to. Afraid of what? It is a passtime activity. Sketching is not something to be afraid of. It is supposed to be fun and engaging. Give it a try. Become a brave artist.
Why am I not afraid?
I asked myself why am I not afraid.One reason is the familiarity with my materials. Having used fabric for so long, it is second nature to me. Quilting is the thing that I have to do. I will do it even when it has become boring or I have done it all day. It is part of who I am and what makes me me.I am not afraid of being myself.
Homage to a Dancer,45″ x 56″ 115 x 142cm
Fusing Two Passions
As I moved into art quilting I looked to fuse two of my lifetime passions, dancing and sewing. Sewing clothes since high school, I had made over 300 bed quilts. In addition, I had performed with a local Mexican folk dance group. My passion led me to direct my school’s annual Cinco de Mayo Dance Presentation. My students learned dances . I sewed costumes. My goal was to make something that combined my sewing skills with the movement and bright colors of a Jalisco dance skirt.
First of all a lot of thought went into it before I even started because I wasn’t sure how to accomplish this. The Jalisco skirt was the easy part. I had made the braid to wear when I performed. The plastic bag was from a trip to Mexico. On the other hand, what would the background be? The 3D dancing outfit was sewn onto a contrasting background of traditional 2″ green squares. I was extremely passionate about presenting this piece. It meant a lot to me. Furthermore,I liked it so much I made another 3D quilt with a blue background.
Market Day, 40″ x 51″102 x 130 cm
Is this Art?
Back in 2009,I entered these two pieces into major art quilt show. I was being a brave artist putting myself out there for the first time. When they were not accepted, I thought that maybe they weren’t art. As I have gained more insight into the jurying process, thanks to SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates), I realized that; the curator works to create a unified vision of a show. My wonderful art pieces do not fit easily with others.Disappointed but not deterred. I kept creating art. I liked trying out different materials and styles to see how they played together.
Furthermore,sometimes what people say says the most about themselves. They are not brave to try something new. It is hard for them to try and create something new.
Over all,to me being brave is taking action even though one is scared or afraid. Creating frees me. It is something that I have to do. I keep going although not everyone around me understood my passion. Maybe being a brave artist is to continue to work without encouragement trying new styles, fabrics and techniques. Being a brave artist is staying true to yourself and your artist vision of the world. In that way it takes bravery to be an artist.
These are my fabric business cards. I use small bits of fabric and batting to create these small 3″ x 4″ (8 x 10cm) business cards. Surely, the materials would be normally tossed in the trash. Of course, making these cards is more time consuming. In spite of that, it is a lovely way to use the fabric and reduce waste while creating these unique business cards.
As my business grew,the info on the card changed.At first my studio was in my house. Later I rented a spot at the local arts center. Now I include the address of my studio. Because my cards are hand written, changes can be made easily. Yet, in the beginning my main motivation was to find a practical use for all of the little bits of fabric and batting quilters generate.
Reactions to my Unique Business Cards
In reality, the first time I handed out a card to a work colleague, she actually screamed. It was a scream of joy and excitement. That gave me a clue that I was on to something.
More recently,I often get a positive response when I offer the cards to people. If someone seems interested in my art, I say, “Would you like one of my business cards?” I can tell that they are about to say no thank you until they see the small art quilts with the info written on it. Pointing to the small pieces of fabric,”These are your business cards?” Most do not pass on choosing one. People choose seriously the one they really like the best.
Sometimes people don’t want to take one thinking that it took me so much time to make it. I have to convince them that that is what I made them for. Some do choose to take a digital photo instead. Each card is a unique little piece of colorful art.
A New Art Medium
Art quilting is a new art medium that many are not familiar with. Each business card is a small example of an art quilt. By sharing these examples, I feel that I am educating the public to what an art quilt is. Hopefully, they will show their friendsand share what they have learned.
An Increase in Sales?
Have my unique business cards caused an increase in sales? That is hard to answer. My business has increased over the years. However, I am not sure that I can attribute it only to my cards. I can say that I have been remembered by others because of my cards. That is a definite win. I hope that the cards might spark a conversation or two.
a newer version of my business card
A Community Connection
Art connects a community. Open Studios and First Friday Art Walks are about more than selling art. Even though a sale is always a wonderful result. These events offer the community to have a conversation about our lives and our passions. In these Post-COVID times, feeling seen and heard becomes more important. My unique business cards help to connect community. They give people a little bit of art to take away with them. Furthermore, this small token is greatly appreciated.
One of my handmade fabric business cardsfabric business cards
My Central Coast California Community
My Central Coast California community has suffered real losses in the past several years through major forest fires, floods, and of course, the pandemic. When someone visits my Santa Cruz Art Center studio, I have no idea what they have been through. A recent visitor commented that he enjoyed seeing the unique fabric art quilts that I created. He especially liked my use of reflective sheer fabric for a pop and imaginative color combinations. He totally got what I was doing.
Moreover,there was something about the way he appreciated my unique business card. When he left and said, “Thank you for this lovely gift.” He inspired me to write this post.
I love my unique business cards for all they do. They are a simple yet powerful act of kindness, a sharing of art. They are an attempt to reduce and reuse materials while creating a step towards making my community a warmer, kinder place to be.
What do you call these animals? I call them sowbugs.
How sow bugs taught me to be persistent in art. Sow bugs, pill bugs,rolypollys, or maybe you use another name are a common garden inhabitant. Surprisingly these bugs are crustaceans not insects.Sow bugs are more closely related to shrimp and crayfish than to insects. Nonetheless, by observation, sow bugs taught me to be persistent in art.
Several decades ago my husband and I bought an old farmhouse. We gutted the interior before adding new drywall and a new interior. Part of the process involved knocking down an old brick chimney. In reality the chimney didn’t seem to be of much use. We did save and reuse the bricks. My unskilled labor was put to use separating the bricks from the crumbling cement and stacking them for later use.This of course took numerous days of labor.
Sow bugs taught me how to be persistent in art.
As I separated the dirt and the bricks, the sowbugs appeared. At first, as I dug out the bricks, I didn’t pay much attention to them. I kept working, separating the bricks, removing the dirt and stacking bricks. I started to notice their behavior.If dirt from a shovel landed on the sow bugs,they dug themselves out and continued on their merry way like nothing had happened.They were not deterred. The bugs were persistent. I was amazed. If I had a load of dirt dumped on me, I would have to stop for at least a minute. The visual of the sow bugs continuing on stayed with me all of these years. They taught me to be persistent.
So Called Human Qualities
I have come to realise that many so called human qualities are rooted in our animal past. Compassion and love are not as unique to humans as previously thought. Science has shown animals to be generous and empathetic among other qualities. Persistence seems to be one of them.
An artist needs to be persistent. That just means that you keep going. Keep trying. Don’t get confused into thinking one needs to be annoying as in pestering. Putting oneself out in the world is not easy. One must not give up. Give yourself permission to take a break at times as needed. However,forge on no matter what dirt the world dumps on you. If the lowly sowbug can continue on, surely an artist can too.
Talking to the public about your art is important. However, it is not always an easy thing for artists to do. My home town has a vibrant art scene. Long before I had even considered becoming a quilt artist, I attended local art shows. Naturally, I was drawn to the fiber arts. During this time I had several experiences that informed my later experiences dealing with the public.
Talking to an Artist
At one art event the artist made beautiful artful jackets. I wanted to say something. Yet, I had no idea what to say. I just admired her work. Perhaps I would just say,” Hey,I sew too.” I had no clue as to what I expected her to say.
Knowing how to Engage the Public
Knowing how to engage the public can be difficult. I patiently waited while she spoke with someone else she seemed to know well. When their conversation was over, she turned and walked in the opposite direction from me. It was obvious that I had been waiting to talk to her. Much disappointment on my part. I don’t know what I expected but being left alone was not it. Instead of connecting with a fan, she literally turned her back on her public. Why did she do this? Was she shy? Possibly? or uncomfortable speaking to strangers? Not comfortable talking about her art? It is hard for me to know. It is likely one of these issues.
Another Fiber Artist
Another time a few years later, I spoke with a fiber artist. She cut up antique paper to create abstract art. Having viewed her art several times, I really liked it. The conversation went something like this. “I think you are my favorite artist.” Dead silence.I am not sure what I expected her to say. But what I didn’t expect was nothing. No response from the artist. Aren’t we generally taught to at least say thank you when someone gives one a compliment? It seems that she missed an opportunity to talk about her work. She could have asked me which was my favorite piece or maybe given me a sales pitch of some kind.
What I have Noticed as a Artist
Now that I am an artist, I am on the receiving side of comments. I have noticed that sometimes the public will make unusual comments. The public is not always sure of what to say. At times it comes out strange. Sadly, I can’t remember an example to share. Yet,I believe that people just want to make a connection with the artist.
Don’t get Waylaid by a Weird Comment
Rather getting stuck on responding to the weird comment, I usually just take it that the person wants to interact with the artist. So I reply with information about myself. For example, I talk about my three portfolios, how I got started in quilts and then switched to art quilts.This tactic has proven successful.
One Visitor’s Technique
Many visitors return each month on the First Fridays Art Tour.One such visitor to my studio always said “What is new? Show me your new work.” His young son came in alone while his father remained next door with another artist. The son also asked the same thing. They had a practiced system for engaging artists. Artists can develop a similar plan.
What I Learned
What I learned from these experiences. Obviously artists are all different individuals with unique personalities. Meeting the public is not easy for many.Talking about ourselves or our work is also something people are often not comfortable with. How to fix this situation?
Be Prepared.
Talking to the public and knowing what to say takes practice. Create a laser statement about your work. This is often called an elevator speech. Describe how you work in a few sentences. Practice so that you are comfortable with what you want to say. It could include a bit about your background, inspirations, art process or how long you have been doing art. Remember that you are basically inviting the public into your space. It is your job to make them feel comfortable. It is your party! Welcome your guests!
Be aware of how you are using the phrase, thank you. Thank you is often used in several different ways without us being aware of it. One way that we use it is to end a conversation or transaction. In the art world, we want to keep the conversation focussed on our art. After an artful compliment, follow up with your motivation or inspiration for the piece. Practice makes perfect. Pertaining to a sale, I was once advised to say,”Congratulations on purchasing a piece of art” rather than thank you. By using this phrase, the conversation is elevated for the better.
Treating people with respect is a definite. Respond as you would normally with a direct response. Speak to others as you would like to be spoken to. Relax, smile and do your best. It will get easier.
I recently sold a piece at a First Fridays event. The person loved the small Mexican inspired art quilt. As we finished the transaction, he specifically thanked me for explaining my work to him.
Build on Previous Successes
Often times artists enter the art world after success and experience in other fields. Many of the skills from other jobs transfer well to the second career as an artist. Written and oral communication skills,organizational skills, computer skills and cross job descriptions. Rely on those skills to build your confidence in your new career.
Be Intuitive.
Being intuitive when engaging the public can help you decide the direction of conversation. Recognize that all conversations will not result in a sale. Many people begin sharing about their family’s experience with quilts. If they have a family heirloom at home, will they want to buy another one from you? That is unlikely, in my opinion. Are they fellow quilters? Then they may be interested in your materials and what your process is. Are they beginning to move into the art realm? Maybe they would like to sign up for a class or mentoring.
Knowing when Not to Talk.
Knowing when not to talk to the public is important too. Picking up on little clues helps. Being in the moment helps. During one Open Studios event, a couple came in. They looked around a lot and seemed interested. I tried to engage them in conversation on several topics without much luck. They were not speaking much to each other either. I kept quiet. Later I realized that they were in disagreement as to which piece to buy. My discussion was getting in the way. They bought a large underwater fantasy. Yet, this couple did not desire a lot of interaction.
Get Help.
It is fairly difficult for all artists to possess the wide range of skills necessary for an art career. One should consider developing the skills that they lack. If that is not possible, then get help. If you find that it is just too much for you to interact with the public, find a friend or family member to help you. There is nothing like having someone else singing the praises of your work or what you have accomplished. Especially if they do it in a professional way.
Ways to engage the public.
Disclaimer- I am not an expert on communications. There are many great articles on the internet on this topic. That said my first career as a teacher required me to speak to awide range of people.
Dress the Part.
I like to dress the part something on the artistic side that might identify me as the artist. Before I even say anything, they know that they are in my space. This is time to put on your professional hat. I wouldn’t wear a paint splattered shirt. But that is me. If you are showing your work in the hopes of selling it, then it is the time to show your professional side.
Greet People
Greet people. Make them welcome in your space. Let them know that you are the artist. During First Fridays I display my art in the lobby of the Art Center. My studio is a small area in an unusual corner that is not always obvious. So I point out where my studio is. I bring out my work for First Fridays Art Tour and our annual Open Studios. What is obvious to you may not be obvious to the first time visitor. Use a simple explanation of your situation or layout to engage them.
Practice makes perfect. Think ahead of time of certain information that you would like to share with the public. How long you have been working on your craft? What is your process like? Where do you get your materials? What are you inspired by? Talk about your newest pieces.These are just examples. Speaking to strangers about your art does become easier with practice.
Artist made fabric business card about 3″ x 4″ 8 cm x 10 cm Artist made fabric business card about 3″ x 4″ 8 cm x 10 cm
Listening to what someone is saying is important. Each art show is an opportunity to learn and develop one’s skills. Keep an open mind. Every conversation is not about making a sale. Enjoy. Feel out the situation. Be authentic. Some people want to talk while others don’t. One has to be open to either situation.
Remember Maya Angelou’s quote,”I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Did the visitor feel welcome? Did the visitor learn something about your art? Talking to the public is what Open Studios is all about.
Issues I need to work on
Issues I need to work on while talking to the public.My town is on the tourist trail. I often ask where they are from. That is fine. My mistake is that I will talk about a trip I took to their area rather than drawing attention to my art or my process. Some topics are easier to talk about than myself and my art. I need to direct the conversation to my art and my process.
Engaging with a Fellow Fiber Artist
More recently I went to a local arts fair. I wanted to connect with a fellow fiber artist. He sold jackets with ethnic fabrics as I often used. Mentioning that I have made my own clothes and now I do art quilts. Furthermore I commented that I had just spoken with a fellow artist who was wearing a vest he had made. I was looking for an artist to artist conversation. But this fellow couldn’t switch gears. He kept showing me fabrics that he had available to make a jacket out of. Listening and switching gears can be hard.
The Story Continues
The story continues. A few months after our first encounter this artist came to my studio. I was in the middle of a project. Yet, he popped in and said, “I just wanted to say hi. Don’t want to interrupt. I am also a maker. ” Oh, what kind of a maker are you? As he spoke I realized that I had met him before at this studio. I told him this. I mentioned that I had read something about his work in the local press. His demeanor was quite different from our first meeting. We all have our bad nights. We all just need to do our best and be kind to one another. The important thing is to listen and learn from our experiences. My impression of him is totally different after our second encounter.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, thank you for letting me share some experiences that informed how I talk with the public. Be yourself. But make the people feel comfortable entering your special space. Knowing what to say to engage the public takes practice in order for it to become second nature. With time it should become easier. Enjoy the time sharing your art.
Art Quilters, how to discover your artistic signature. Every great artist has a signature style or technique. A signature style is something the artist includes in each piece that identifies the art as uniquely theirs. Without looking at the name, we know who made the piece. Sometimes we can tell the style and time period of the art piece just by looking. Yvonne Porcella, founder of SAQA added black and white checkerboards to many of her pieces. What is a favorite technique or style of yours? What do you readily include in each piece? While my example are my art quilts, the process for recognizing an artistic signature is similar across genres.
How I Found One of my Artistic Styles
I fell in love with these small geometric pieces.
Art quilters I discovered one of my artistic style quite by accident while working on a very large abstract quilt commission. The piece was almost finished. I needed only a little bit more maybe 6 ” .Yet, there was a only small amount of fabric left. Not worth going to to store for.Nonetheless, I had a bunch of 2 to 3 inch pieces of fabric. I sewed those smaller pieces together.Surprisingly, they formed interesting geometric shapes. At the same time, they saved the day.
Art quilters how to discover your artistic style accidently.
Furthermore,I liked the affect. I started sewing leftover pieces of fabric together to make a bigger piece.Then I added these geometrically shaped pieces to other works of art. Basically I feel like I discovered an iconic signature style for my work. A win-win situation-Making interesting shapes while finding a use for small fabric pieces.
Discover Other Artistic Styles
There are several other techniques that I generally like to use. I found these when I wasn’t looking for them. But I repeated them and now I generally use them. Art quilters discover your artistic style. What techniques or themes do you use often?
Rusty Leaves,29″ x 21″, 2021
In my tree quilts, I often make the leaves reach beyond the edges to form an irregular finished edge. When I first did this I tried to create something unusual. It proved very popular with the viewing public. Many people comment on being drawn to it. Sometimes the edges begin about half way up the right and left sides continuing across the top of the art quilt.
Overlook is covered with tulle netting, a signature technique.
Fabric Layering Technique
I use the fabric layering technique to create my trees and other Nature art quilts. People have mentioned that they knew it was my quilt because of the technique. I create a scene and cover it with tulle netting before free motion quilting the piece.
Include 3D Fibers on Abstract Art Quilts
Sunset Through the Forest, 34″ x 32″ 2019
Abstract art quilts are one of my three portfolios. I like to add texture through the use of 3D fibers and decorative threads sewn on top of fabric. Many times the decorative threads are couched(zigzagged). At times they may not be totally attached to the art quilt. In general I am drawn to 3D genres of art.
Find your Artistic Signature.
Keep creating. Find techniques or materials that you like. Keep using them. Your signature piece will reveal itself to you over time. It will want to be in each piece you make. Pay attention when someone comments that I knew that was your piece without looking at the name. Finding your artistic signature will not be easy. It will take time to develop as your artistic career grows. But it will be worth the effort.
Just like everyone else new quilters make mistakes. Mistakes are part of the process of becoming a master quilter regardless if you are making art quilts or traditional quilts. Most of us are not proud of our earliest works. Yet, when an artist is accomplished, they make it look easy. The artists have practiced so much that it is hard to imagine that they ever made mistakes. Here is a review of several mistakes new quilters make.
Mistake #1-Poor Fabric Choices
Thinking one can make a quilt out of just any piece of fabric that they have. Yes, people make quilts out of used clothes or fabric that they have. But for a successful piece, their choices are based on their knowledge and their experience with that fabric. Plus if there is a problem then an experienced sewer or quilter will have an idea about how to fix the problem.
There is a reason that commercially available clothing patterns list the types of fabric that would work best. New quilters can stick with 100% cotton for the most success.
Another Mistake New Quilters Make
An acquaintance with limited sewing experience wanted to make a baby quilt to give to a friend. She choose to use soft and stretchy fabrics that she had left over from other projects. Soft and stretchy materials are difficult to work with.
On the other hand, parents are rightly concerned about what will touch their baby’s skin. One hundred per cent cotton fabric is safe and the most comfortable for a baby. On the other hand, soft minky fabric is nice for a backing.
Mistake #2-Washability and Care of the Quilt
Cotton fabric that is 100% cotton is easily washed. My inexperienced friend chose a dark multicolored patterned fabric for the baby quilt. Of course,patterns and styles of choice change. However,most new families want a light colored quilt. They are also concerned about washability.The color choices for this baby quilt were dark. In my opinion, the colors didn’t even coordinate well. In addition, most parents would prefer new materials to be used with an infant.
Mistake #3-Lack of experience with a sewing machine
In my opinion, the major sewing machine brands are of good quality. Even older and more older machines work well. That said when I bought my Lily Husquavarna over 20 years ago, a particular brand of thread was recommended to use with the machine. Quite by accident, I learned that other brands actually had better results. People swear by their Bernina machines yet I read that they can be fussy about the correct needle being used for the type of project. Learning the quirks of one’s machine is part of the learning process.
Mistake #4 Lack of Process Planning
Creating an art piece takes a loose plan. One needs to have an idea of what part needs to be completed before another part. Often an inexperienced art quilter will create a beautiful part without an idea of how to mount or display it. For example, an intricite portrait will be created, Yet,the artist will then not know what they need to do next. How should it be displayed? What fabric would highlight the work?
Similarly, at the beginning of her art career,a very talented fiber artist would make nature inspired 3D works. She wanted them to be free standing. Yet, she made them without planning for the structure that would allow them to be free standing. As I tried mixed media and assemblage,I remembered that lesson. Consider the final structure first. How will it hang? How will it stand up?
Mistake #5-Poor Color Choices
Quite a few years ago, a friend asked me to make a baby quilt for a relative. We went to the fabric store together to choose some fabrics. These are the green and blue fabrics she chose. While each fabric has its merits individually, I would never have chosen them to be the only fabrics in a quilt. As it was an early commission for me, I didn’t feel at the time that I should say anything. However, this poor color choice stayed with me for a long time.Needlessto say, I have developed my artist’s voice over the years. I would definitely express my opinion if this happened again. It pushed me to rethink and validate my experience in choosing colors.
Two fabrics,blue floral and green
A friend mentioned to me today that her sister made a quilt for her.They had lots of blocks with hand embroidery added. The friend didn’t really like the quilt. Her sister said she didn’t have to keep it if she didn’t like it. The friend wasn’t sure what to do. She mentioned that her sister’s quilting skills were not so good. The sister mainly made quilts for the family. When I finally saw a photo of the friends’s quilt, I had to admit that it had some charm. Maybe not totally to my friend’s taste but still charming in its own right.
Nonetheless,this reminded me of the steps that people go through before they attain mastery. Lots of mistakes are made along the pathway to excellence. However, when someone looks at a quilter’s successful piece, the failures are not visible.
In Conclusion
My intent is not to criticize or shame someone’s efforts. We all start somewhere. However,I want to acknowledge the effort and experience that goes into the long path towards the mastery of skills. Our passion pushes us to continue to learn from the mistakes that new quilters make.
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.
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.
Try these low tech quilting hacks to make to make quilting tasks easier. This post is about my favorite tools that I often use in my studio. Redirecting materials are a major motivating factor in my art. It so happens that it affects my low tech quilting hacks as well.
Threading the Needle
My regular sewing foot has a white plastic piece that holds it together. A bit of the white forms a background that allows for the ease of threading the needle. For years, I sewed clothing. Yet, never noticed this because I had no need to change the foot. As soon as I started quilting and began to use different feet, I noticed that threading the needle became more difficult.
What Had Changed?
I couldn’t figure out what had changed. It took me a while, the small white background was not longer there. So I recreated the white by using a small piece of white paper. I now keep a particularly stiff piece of white paper close at hand. For easy threading of the needle, I slip the paper behind the needle. When I use the walking foot or darning foot for free motion quilting, I can see the needle’s hole much better.
a useful white piece of paper to aide threading a needle
Easing of Fabric through the Feed-A Low Tech Quilting Hack
Many years ago I received a stick that looks like an orange stick used for nail care. Suzanne Cam gave them away as part of a quilting workshop. This tool has now become an indespensible tool. I use it often to grab threads, to gently guide fabric smoothly through the feed when necssary.
Moving Small Pieces- A Low Tech Quilting Hack
I also use the stick to move small pieces of fabric. For the fabric layering technique,I create my art flat on a table. I place the backing fabric down first. Then I lay the batting on top.Finally, I create the scene. At times this requires a gentle movement of small pieces of fabric or yarn. I use the stick for this. Nothing else creates a smooth curve or allows me to control the placement of small items or details.
a multiuse well used stick
Tiny Globs of Glue
At times I need to glue items to my fiber pieces. Often I only need the tiniest bit of glue not a glob of glue that might show. When my studio was in my home, I would use a plate from the kitchen to put the glue on. After moving to my studio,no plates were readily available.
Making Do
I flipped over the 3 ” plastic cap from the can of starch to use. To control the smallest bit of glue, I use a large needle or hat pin. When finished I can easily wipe off the residue of white glue . The pin or needle is then ready for its original intended use.
Plastic caps to control globs of glue
A Design Wall
I use a design wall to create my abstract pieces of art. It is essential for me to have a large space available. I would recommend at least 60″ high and wide. My studio design wall is about 90″ by 90″. I covered the wall with a piece of white flannel fabric. It is held in place by push pins. Portability is not an issue for me. Other quilters will swear by their expensive design walls. Don’t be fooled! Simple can be just as effective!
My large white flannel design wall design
True Confessions Time!
I am not an early adopter nor a gadget person. Quality standard tools and materials are necessary. These hacks are very low tech. Whatever works! For those still reading this post, I expect to hear a chuckle or two or daresay I, some laughing out loud at their simplicity. What simple hacks do you use? Please share.
