art quilt Archives

How to Start An Art Conversation

Ann Baldwin May Art Quilts

Starting An Art Conversation

The art conversation must start wherever the art viewer is. Everyone is certainly familiar with the materials I use to make my art, fabric. When the art viewing public has a personal experience with your artistic materials does this have a positive or negative effect on how they view your art? Does it make the art seem less worthy of their attention or somehow less valued? Or just the opposite?

The Fabric of our Lives

I create art quilts, wall art from fabric,the material that literally the whole world has a relationship with. Many times I repurpose the fabric of my own clothing into my art.When we go shopping for clothes, touching the fabric is part of our decision making process. What will it feel like against the skin? The Do Not Touch signs in my studio does not always deter everyone. We are used to touching fabric.

Start with Gramma’s quilt and move on

Often we share a common experience about a grandmother’s handmade quilt. Creating bridges in communication is helpful.This beginning must move on to a discussion of the actual art or the process to make the piece. No matter the artistic form, the conversation begins where the studio visitors are. Then it can move forward to explain the different processes.

I explain that I often use redirected materials from the San Francisco Design Center. This affords me interesting fabrics that are unique and definately not available at a quilt shop. Quilt shops cater to traditional quilters who must use 100% cotton because their quilts need to be washed. My wall art does not need to be washed.I am free to use unusual fabrics.

Remarks from Visitors to my studio Worth Repeating

“Oh, I didn’t realize that it was fabric! “

“Looking at your art is like taking a mini vacation!”

“You are taking an old art and making it new.”

From the comments I have heard, it is easy to believe that people recognize art when they see it no matter the materials.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/forging-your-own-art-path/

Learn more about art quilts from SAQA, Studio Art Quilt Associates.

http://www.saqa.com/

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

Something New? Is That a Quilt? Wow!

Wow! Is That a Quilt?

That’s a Quilt? Wow! That’s a quilt!

Come and be surprised yourself! Most importantly, a lobby full of abstracts and fabric trees! See lots of new small minimalist assemblage made during the shutdown in addition. A studio full of underwater fantasies and Mexican inspired fiber art. Similarly also available are throw pillows, artful king sized pillow cases, art on mouse pads and mug rugs, Mexican inspired fabric collages or abstract wall art. Certainly,found objects and redirected materials are always a possibility.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/product/girls-play-sports/

Other smaller items available. For example, very large fabric gift bags, $20. or free with purchase over $100.
Open Studios 11-5pm second and third weekends in
Oct.9-10,Oct. 16-17,2021
Santa Cruz Art Center 1001 Center St. Downtown Santa Cruz,CA.95060

Wow! That's a Quilt? — greys,pinks and purple fabric in this astract

Open Studios 2021

In short,artists from all over the county open up their studios for three weekends in October. In addition there are so many artists that the county is divided in half. First,one part participates on the first weekend of the month. Next,the second part participates on the second weekend of the month. However,any artists can choose whether to open their studios for the third weekend called the encore weekend. Furthermore,there is a free app to help people navigate all of the artists. You can find the location of other nearby studios. The app tells you how far away another studio is.

In the Beginning

In the beginning,Mexican inspired fabric collages drew me to begin my art career. I use fabric, details and found objects that I identify with the Mexican experience. Moreover,these art pieces are mostly machine pieced together. However,some embellishments require hand sewing. Whimsical, unusual effects are certainly fun to include.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/following-your-heart/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/birds-in-art-quilts/

Did you See the Olive Hyde Textile Show?

Skyward finished piece

Black and White branches on an indigo and white sky background — Skyward 25″ x 25″

underwater seascape — Marine Canyon Dwellers, 26″ h x 25″w

View works from exhibit

A Unique History

Most importantly,the City of Fremont’s Olive Hyde Art Gallery offers a glimpse into the textile world with textile creations.The show is the 50^th Annual Textile Exhibition. Furthermore,it runs from August 3 – September 5, 2018. This annual exhibit began in 1968. It started in recognition of the Art Center’s original benefactor and Textile Art enthusiast, Olive Hyde. In its early years it was primarily a quilt show. However,this annual exhibition features works of both traditional and contemporary quilt artists. In short,these artists use textiles and fibers to create unique artworks and designs.

Most Popular Exhibition

Above all, this is one of Olive Hyde Art Gallery’s most popular exhibitions. Therefore, the show includes a diverse group of Northern California’s best and often most recognized textile artists.

Participating artists include: Adriane Dedic, Alice Beasley, Ann Baldwin May, Catherine Kelly, Denise Oyama Miller, Dolores Miller, Drew Matott, Emelie Rogers, Gail Sims, Ginger Summit, Giny Dixon, Ileana Soto, Jennifer Landau, Karen Balos, Kris Sazaki, Lin Schiffner, Linda Waddle, Martha Wolfe, Maureen Langenbach, Melba Vincent, Patricia Porter, P. Kay Hille-Hatten, Rashna Sutaria, Susan Helmer, and Zona Sage.

Local Wonders

Alice Beasley

Olive Hyde Textile Show — Sunday On Lake Merritt by Alice Beasley

Above all,Alice Beasley has been making portraits of people and objects since 1988. In short,fabric is her chosen medium of expression. However,she incorporates the same light, shadow and realistic perspective used by artists in other media. Like the classical painter, her art is absorbed by an interest in the human figure and in our objects as they are presented in still life.

Dolores Miller

Above all, Dolores Miller supposes that her love of textiles is in her blood. In short,both of her grandmothers were seamstresses. For example,she threaded needles for her paternal grandmother for her job as a fine hand finisher. Furthermore,as a young adult, she made most of her clothes. Hence,Dolores dabbled in most of the textile arts over the years.

Denise Oyama Miller

Certainly, Denise Oyama Miller is a frequent and respected exhibitor at the Olive Hyde Art Gallery. As a result,she shows her unique, contemporary take on quilt-making using strong forms and contrasting colors. Moreover,Miller works in a variety of styles from representational scenes to intense abstractions.

Karen Balos

Karen Balos shows her mastery of creating visual explosions of color, patterns, and movements with textiles.

Ileana Soto

Ileana Soto looks into the history of human culture. She sees herself reflected by the complexities of life with her mixed media creations. She adds alternating layers of dye, paint, and fabrics.

Martha Wolfe

Inspired by the natural world, Martha Wolfe gathers photographs. She uses them as a guide to create finely-detailed works. She often recreates the images of everyday life with colorful patterns.

Zona Sage

Pushing the boundaries of textile sculptures,Zona Sage

assembles different found items and fabrics.

Adriane Dedic

Adriane Dedic highlights the art of the figure. Inspirations from both Eastern and Western art have led her to create a wide variety of stylized figures, from traditional Japanese Geishas to figures painted by Klimt.

Opening Reception

Furthermore,the opening reception will be held on Friday, August 3,2018 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at the Olive Hyde Art Center, 123 Washington Blvd. (at Mission Blvd.) In addition,parking is available at the municipal parking lot ½ block north of the Olive Hyde Art Center on Mission Blvd. The exhibition runs through Saturday, September 5^th,2018. Gallery Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 12noon to 5pm.

https://olivehydeartguild.org

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

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/

Step By Step Instructions to Make an Abstract Art Quilt

This work in progress shows the step by step instructions to make this abstract art quilt, Sunlit Boulders. Featured in Art Quilting Studio Magazine, Fall issue, 2018.

Step By Step Instructions for an abstract art quilt, browns, greens, yellow and batiks with a sourthwest feel. — Sunlit Boulders 31″ h x 28″w

Inspiration and Adjustments

Sunlit Boulders is an art quilt with curved line piecing, Scribble Quilting and couched decorative yarns and threads. My first intention was to highlight the Native American batik shown on the left on the first photo. As I chose different fabrics, I decided that I would minimize their use. I removed more of that fabric. I was happier with the way it looked. It’s okay to change ideas in midproject if it doesn’t look or feel right to you. Follow these step by step instructions to make your own abstract art quilt. It will be uniquely yours.

Photo 1

I am auditioning fabrics that complement and contrast with the batik fabric. Using strips of fabric, I couch(zigzag) a variety of decorative threads and yarns to the strips. I cut the strips apart into varying lengths without much forethought.

Photo 2

I am still auditioning fabric. I included some pieced strips left over from a previous project. Notice that I eliminated the reddish fabric.

Photo 3

I start to cut up the strips of couched yarns to add to the quilt. I am trying out where I like the pieces, moving them around. Dark strips frame the piece. I begin to sew some pieces together. Figures from the batik stand out enough.

Step By Step Instructions. Sew pieces together. Move to a different spot to create balance of fabric and color. — photo 4 Sew pieces together. Move to a different spot to create balance of fabric and color.

Photo 4

Tucks are add texture. Notice that I moved some pieces around. I do more sewing of pieces together.

Photo 5

I am not afraid to cut up fabric. I can always use the fabric at a later date for a different project. More tucks are added to fabrics. I eliminated some batiks symbols.

Photo 6

All pieced together and ready for batting and backing.

Photo 7

Scribble Quilting is complete. Edges need to be trimmed and cut straight.

Photo 8

The finished art quilt represents my mantra of color, texture, and movement.

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/

Starting An Art Conversation

The Fabric of our Lives

Start with Gramma’s quilt and move on

Remarks from Visitors to my studio Worth Repeating

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Wow! Is That a Quilt?

That’s a Quilt? Wow! That’s a quilt!

Open Studios 2021

In the Beginning

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A Unique History

Most Popular Exhibition

Local Wonders

Alice Beasley

Dolores Miller

Denise Oyama Miller

Karen Balos

Ileana Soto

Martha Wolfe

Zona Sage

Adriane Dedic

Opening Reception

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Video of Art Display 1

My Art Quilts

A Short Bio

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Step By Step Instructions to Make an Abstract Art Quilt

Inspiration and Adjustments

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

Photo 7

Photo 8

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Color and Texture

A Lakeside Studio

Artmaking and Business

Publications

What’s next?

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