The Northern California and Southern Nevada Regional SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates) group put out a call for entry for a new show, Prism Play. The organizers send the partipants a color card similar to a paint chip card. It had a limited color range on it.The artists must only use the colors on the card. No black or whiteallowed. The size of the finished quilt must be 45″ x 15″ 114 cm x 38cm. Those are the only restrictions. Imagination and creativity released. Follow how the Colors of the Prism Piece developed.
Paint chip cards of orange, pink and magenta color lines
Colors of the Prism Piece
Participants requested a particular color wave or they could choose to to get a surprise. Three color waves were actually sent so that the artist could make a final choice of colors to use. Artists could make up to three pieces. I choose the purple card on the right for the colors of the prism piece.
Designing Details for Colors of the Prism Piece
Tucks on purple fabric
I start by designing fabric details that I want to include. Here is a purple piece of fabric with tucks to add movement and texture.
Yarn and piping add texture.
This light purple fabric has three lines of yarn couched(zigzagged) on it.
I like to create 3D details with the short pieces of redirected yarn.
A dark piece of fabric has various lighter colors of yarn couched on it.
The short pieces of redirected yarn came like this.
These small pieces for the colors of the prism piece are examples of the redirected yarns and materials I used from Fabmo. https://www.fabmo.org/
two layers of purple
More examples of fabrics used. I create strips of details then I cut them into smaller pieces.
Creating the Colors of the Prism Piece
Abstract art quilts begin on my flannel design wall. I marked the approximate edges with pins to help me keep track of the 15″ width (38cm) restriction. I always begin with larger fabric pieces than I want the final piece to be. One never knows how much fabric will taken up in the creative process of sewing the pieces together.
Trying out several pieces on my design wall
I place the colors of the prism pieces on the design wall always balancing colors, hues, eye grabbing details and spots for eyes to rest.
I continue to move pieces around on the design wall.Not quite finished but getting there.The top is finished and squared up.
In Conclusion
In completing this Colors of the Prism piece, I created texture and movement with the artist made details. This piece includes the use of redirected materials in the style of my abstract art quilts. However, I found the restricted size of the final piece, 45″ x 15″ 114cm x 38cm to be a challenge. It added an extra bit of pressure I had to be constantly aware of.
What is quilting? Quilting can be several things. A basic definition is the sewing together of two or three layers of fabric either for a practical purpose or a solely artistic purpose. What if a person cuts up fabric and sews it back together to make the top of a bed covering? Yes is the answer.
Who is a Quilter?
Are you a quilter if you only sew or piece the top together and then have another person do the quilting? Yes. When I started, I only did that part. I worried that I could not call myself a quilter when I really only pieced the top together. Another person quilted the three layers, the top, the batting and the back, together. It turns out that I was wrong. Even back then,I was a quilter.
Acceptance of Many
The quilting world and the art quilt world both accept people as quilters whether or not they actually sew the three layers together. Some have the luxury of sending their tops to a person with a long arm machine or another person to complete that part of the process. Let’s just make sure that they are given credit for their contribution.Words are funny that way, confusing at times and not even close to the reality. No wonder there is so much misunderstanding in the world.
Poppin’ Back, 23″ x 22″
How to Complete
I recently completed two abstract art pieces. Poppin’Back used bright yellows, purples,magentas contrasting with white pieces of fabric. The fabrics were cotton. When it was time to sew the three layers together, I didn’t stop to think. I forged ahead, quilting the usual way I often do, moving the quilt from side to side to create wavy lines . This creates another level of movement that I adds to the art piece.
Smilin’ 33″ x 24″
The Second Piece
The second piece,Smilin’ was completely made from dipioni silk in bright contrasting colors with curved line piecing.I loved the bright colors and shapes. What would quilting lines add to the stunning colors? I decided that they wouldn’t add much.
Yet, the 3 layers layers of fabric needed to be attached. Stitching in the Ditch which means quilting in the seams solved the issue for me. Many art quilters would expertly sew 1/4″ lines to fill spaces. Giving myself permission to do something differently,I listened to what I felt the piece needed. I am happy with the final product.
Conclusion
Consider what is quilting brings to an art piece? Does it add an important element like movement or color to the piece? Is it necessary? Each art piece is unique. It deserves its own consideration on how to quilt it. These are decisions that only the artist can make. It is one of the artistic decisions that the artists must make. My plan is to pay attention and listen to the art more in the future.
See more art quilts at the Studio Art Quilt Associates’ website. https://www.saqa.com/
Lingering Fog, an abstract art quilt, 34″ x 34″ 86 x 86 cm
How to improve your next Abstract Art quilt.
Improve your next art quilt by adding color. First of all,I enjoy abstract art. Moreover,I am drawn to bright colors and textured lines. While representative art is truly eyecatching. Nonetheless, I choose not to make art of something that someone can take a photograph of. In contrast,my abstract art quilts highlight my mantra, Color! Texture! Movement! Similarly,the high end fabric samples from decorators inspire me to use them in my abstract art pieces.
Color
For example,here are some bold pieces using mainly commerical cottons in this abstract art quilt.
Atlas in Rose, 32″ x 32″Sunset Through The Forest,34″ x 32″ 86 cm x 81cm
Meanwhile,Sunset Through the Forest has artist made details. Finally, decorative yarns to add 3D effects and texture in this abstract art quilt.
Improve your next art quilt with Texture
Furthermore,almost all of the fabrics in Desert Sands are new discontinued samples in this abstract art quilt.. To clarify,texture comes from the contrast between the silky and thicker fabrics. In addition,tucks add texture to certain fabric too.
Desert Sands,21″ x 16″Tranquility,30″ x 24″
Most importantly, the monochronamic blend of fabrics, Tranquility has a calming effect. Fnally, special stitches add interest.
Improve your next art quilt with Movement.
Copper Cliffs, an art quilt, 21″ x 19″
In addition, the commercial fabric with the brown markings shouts movement. Furthermore,curved line piecing and scribble quilting adds another layer. For example, I started with this fabric. Then,I chose fabrics with similar colors.
First,I built the fabrics around this redirected piece of fabric.Spring Break, 32″ x32″
Finally, it is difficult to see the top fabric in the final project,Spring Break. But it is there.
Another Example of Fabric with Movement
Here is another example of movement created by black and grey dogs on the fabric. At first, the curved lines attracted my attention. The artist in me didn’t even see the dogs. Then I couched threads on the material and cut it up. Finally,the tree branches show movement but none of the original dogs.
Step 2 black grey and white fabric with green and black yarn couched yarnSkyward, an art quilt made from redirected fabric with black and grey dogs on it.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, a unique variety of discontinued fabric samples inspire me to create my abstract art quilts. Finally, I aim to include color, texture and movement in each of my abstract fabric art pieces. Thank you for letting me share some of them with you.
Read more information that may be of interest to you.
Viewing art made with mostly black and white colors is engaging. Furthermore, the contrast with just one other color attracts the viewer’s eye. While this is true of all art genres, I make art quilts. This post is about the quilts that use mostly black and white with possibly one or two other colors.
Classic Decor
Black and white decor is a classic look that is currently enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Black and white floors are common in Europe. One art fan compared my art quilts to tapestries. One time someone asked me to line the walls with my largest quilts to improve the acoustics at a film festival. The small dash of color is easily accommodated. Limiting the colors to just black and white and one more, insures flexibility that the piece will fit easily into many different places.
Adding Texture in Decor
Adding a cozy traditional quilt has been a a long time go-to idea for adding texture. Building on that,consider adding texture in the form of wall art to your decor. Wall art quilts are a new and modern way to accomplish that. It may seem subtle but a piece of fabric wall art is not as flat as a poster or a painting. An art quilt brings an added dimension to a room.
Easy Care Art
Art quilts are easy to hang. They generally weigh about a pound. MIne come with a handsewn fabric sleeve(tube) sewn on the back of the piece, a dowel and fishing line. Simply hang the invisible fishing line on a push pin or a nail. The edges of my art quilts are completely finished with a facing hand sewn to the back.
There is no reason to add a heavy frame. A frame just adds cost to shipping and unnecessary weight to the piece. Hanging a quilt rather than a heavy painting over a bed is an added advantage in earthquake country.
Fabric is a material that we are all familiar with. It is long lasting and adds warmth to a room. Keeping a piece out of the direct sunlight is necessary to prevent fading. Other than that, textiles are an easy care product.
Larger Wall Art
Gridlock I, 33″ x 31″Gridlock II,42″ x 36″ Juried into MAYHEM show at the ARC Gallery in San Francisco, 2013
Smaller Wall Art
Petite Madness,12″ x 9″ ,$125.Art quilt,Petite Limeade,10 ” x 10″ SOLDPetite Carbon Footprint,12″ x 9″,$125.
In conclusion,black and white art is classic.Adding a pop of color makes it fresh and modern.
First of all,trees in art quilts are my most popular pieces.Everyone loves trees. Above all,everyone can relate to the shape and various colors of trucks and leaves. Vacant Lot, is an early example of one of my tree art quilts. Furthermore,five of my art quilt trees hang in local Santa Cruz County Kaiser Permanente Medical facilities.
Tree Friendly Town
I live in a tree friendly town. That is to say that Santa Cruz, California is part of the Tree City USA program. My county is full of fruit tree orchards as well as redwoods. Furthermore,the Spanish explorers saw their first redwood tree in Santa Cruz County. In addition, California’s first state park, Big Basin is also in my county. That is a lot of trees for the second smallest county in California.
Of course,many locales are tree friendly places even if they not they are enrolled in the national urban tree program. We can all relate to trees and leaves; the forms they take and the shapes they make. Creating trees lets me explore and expand my use of texture, color, and movement. Let me take this opportuntity to share my love of trees.
Adding Color
Young children and other people know what color a tree should be. We understand the general shape of a tree including the wide variety of sizes and forms. Adjust the color of a tree to an unnatural color. Our brains will still recognize that it as a tree. This is what makes it fun for an artist.
Palo Colorado,34″ x 32″ 86cm x 81cm
Red and White Challenge
In 2013, my local quilting guild had a Red and White Challenge. Participants receive certain fabrics that must be used. Notice the red and white polka dot fabric. Additional fabrics and details were encouraged. I placed the red tree, Palo Colorado on a background of various pieced white fabrics with red hand stitching for accents.
Along the Path,34″ h x 22″ 86cm x 56cm
Teal colored tree trunk and branches ? Not so common,nor are violet branches. I have received such a positive response from the movement of leaves extending beyond the edges of the art quilt that I have continued to do that.
At the Edge of the Grove,29″h x 26″ 74cm x 66cm
What could be more fun than orange branches!
Tree Along Creek,32″ x 27″ 81 cm x 69cm
This tree along the creek has pale colored branches with bluish green tint from couched yarns and decorative threads. The pop of medium green comes from a piece of dress fabric from the 1940s.
Adding Texture
Celebrating Fall has branches made from a highly textured yet, loosely woven fabric. I couched decorative threads are on top of the fabric to add more interest. This same couching technique is also visible in Tree Along Creek and At the Edge of the Grove.
Celebrating Fall,33″ x 31″ 84cm x 79cm
Adding Movement
In Looking up at Dusk,flying leaves and twigs are carried along by the wind. While creating this piece, I actually toss some pieces onto the quilt top. Great fun! Great serenpidity!
Looking up at Dusk,31″ x 24″ 79cm x 61cmOverlook,35″ x 26″ 88cm x66cm
In Overlook, I choose a green and white patterned fabric for the trunk and branches. I couched decorative threads and yarn to the fabric before cutting out the shape of the tree. The white spaces on the fabric create movement. The curvy line quilting in the sky also adds action. The sky fabric is from an indigo dying class. Can you see the clouds moving across the sky?
Conclusion
My art is all about Color! Texture! and Movement! Tree art quilts are a perfect theme for me to showcase this mantra. Repurposed decorative threads and yarns are a natural fit as well to add more texture and movement.
Follow these step by step instructions using Sunset Through the Forest,an abstract art quilt as an example to create an abstract art quilt.
Getting 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 shapes 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!
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.
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? Eliminate fabrics if necessary.
Balancing the fabrics and colors
Sewing Smaller Pieces Together
Begin 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.
Small pieces are sewn together
Sewing More Pieces Together
Continue sewing pieces together. Keep checking for balance of fabrics, colors, and textured pieces.
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. I use a walking foot to create a flowing quilting line by moving the quilt side to side while quilting. Make sure that the quilting is also balanced and equally fills the space. Then add a facing. Turn to the back and handsew the facing to the back. Name and sign your art!
Sunset Through The Forest, finished art quilt,32″h x 34″w
In Conclusion
These are the steps that I generally follow to create my abstract art quilt pieces. They represent my process at this time. It will probably change over time. Your process is probably unique to you.
Above all, I like using discontinued designer fabrics in my art quilts. These materials add texture and movement to my work. Most importantly as a fiber artist, I look for unique materials. Using discontinued fabrics from designers fits the bill.
Just as important is keeping these beautiful materials out of the landfill. Certainly,giving them a new life is important. First,I gather my materials first with no idea in mind as to how I will use them. Then I see which materials play well together.
Finding Discontinued Materials
About ten years ago I started volunteering at Fabmo,(Fabric and more). About the same time,I became more serious about making my fabric art. FABMO is a nonprofit center for redirecting fabrics. For example,dedicated volunteers make weekly trips to the San Francisco Design Center, a decorator hub. These materials are new and ready to be recycled. Furthermore,the public can buy these materials for a donation.http://fabmo.org
Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics
The nonprofit recently moved to a warehouse in a Sunnyvale, California. After that,it was ready to offer selection days for the public. For example, items to choose from include discontinued items, fabric samples and details. The fabric is like none available in local quilt shops and fabric stores. It inspires me to see how the fabrics play with one another. At the same time,the volunteers are dedicated to reduce, reuse, and recycle fabrics. They search for new ideas to use the materials. Then they share these ideas on their newsletter. Check with your local decorators for similar opportunities.
Unique fabrics make Unique Art.
Autumn Comes to the Farm,an art quilt made from redirected fabrics, 20″ x 20″Desert Sands,21″ x 16″
Inspiration from Unusual Fabrics
The next step is to choose from the wide variety of materials that are available. Needlesstosay, the amount of possibilities is a bit overwhelming. Furthermore,the use of silk, linen and synthetics allows me to add texture to my art pieces. These fabrics can be a bit more difficult to work with than cotton. Unlike bed quilts, art quilts as wall art do not have to be washed. In other words, easy care materials like cotton are not mandatory.
Rusty Cans in the Wash,16″ x 15″Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award, 31″ x 26″
A Win Win Situation
Finally,I am very inspired by how these redirected materials play together. I really hope that you will search out sources for redirected materials in your area. It will add a spark to your art. It will create a decline in entries to the local landfill. What could be more of a win-win situation?https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/adding-color-to-your-art-quilts/
Winter Sunset, An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colorsthe finished piece
Memories of Favorite Colors
Memories of favorite colors can stay with you throughout a lifetime. As a seven year old, I remember telling the neighbor lady that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. My favorite colors were pink and yellow. I chose them both because I couldn’t decide which one I liked the better.
My goal of becoming an artist faded almost immediately. That idea didn’t resurface until much, much later after a 36 year career as an elementary school teacher. Yet, my memories of my favorite colors remained with me.
Elementary School
For several years while I was in upper elementary school, a ladies choir came to sing for our school. I don’t remember the music but what stuck with me were their dresses. The ladies all wore a solid color shirtdress that was most likely from their own closet. The affect of the variety of colors was intriguing to me. I was starstruck. I kept this memory for such a long time that I made myself a single color dress to wear to work many years later.
Shirt dresses possibly from Villager.
Memories of Favorite Colors,Age 13
My mother loved clothing and dressing nicely. I could always count on her for a lovely outfit for a Christmas gift . For my thirteenth Christmas, she surprised me with several items to mix and match in forest green and light blue. There was a green blouse with light blue flowers, a fluffy Mohair blue sweater,blue pants and a light blue skirt. I was in heaven. Those colors have stayed dormant within me although I haven’t done anything with them. Maybe the time is now right?
My mohair sweater looked like this only in light blue.
Memories of Favorite Colors -Chocolate Brown and Light Blue
Fast forward ahead to my life as a young wife. My husband and I enjoyed visited model homes to get inspiration for our own space. We were both enamored with a home decorated in dark chocolate brown colors with light blue accents. Again we didn’t act on our interest. But the memory of colors of that model home stayed with us both .
Memories of Colors-Purple
We all must admit that we have been influenced positively and at times negatively by our parents. My mother did not like purple. The purple of the 1960’s was more of a sickly lilac. I share her dislike for that color. It is not a color that blends well with our olive complexion. Here are some beautiful dresses in the color lilac. I must admit it is hard to dislike these stunning examples.
lilac dressThe lilac dress is in the middle.lilac dress
Other Shades of Purple
Much later a wider variety of purples became popular. Shades of purple that constrast well with many colors are a natural choice for my art. Here are some examples.
Splendid Fairy Wren, 30″ h x 25″ wUnder the Palapa, 27″ x 21″Shore to Sky E, 10″ x 10″Love in the Abstract, an abstract art quilt in purples and pinks,24″ x 26″Winter Sunset, An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colors,the finished piece
Conclusion
These are some of my memories of favorite colors that have stayed with me for many years. Thank you for letting me share. I assume that others also have fond memories of shades from their childhood and beyond. Do you have any color favorites of your own.? Feel free to share them here.
For the past ten years, I have worked to come into my own as an art quilter. It took that long to grow into the artist I am today. Growth happens when we least expect it. I started making art quilts about 12 years ago. I entered and was accepted into my first juried art show in 2010. The next year the same piece won an award. Subsequently, there was not turning back. I was off and running. This year,2019 I was accepted into New York Art to show in their gallery in TriBeCa in New York City.
At first,I would look at art quilts in galleries and shows. It was puzzling that none of them looked like mine. At first,I was worried. This struck me as worrisome. It took me a while to realize what that meant. After that, I realised that I had my own style. This became reassuring. No one has had my experiences, my life, but me. No one chooses the materials that I choose. That is why the quilts are different.
Underwater Fantasies
Living on the California coast, marine landscapes are popular.In the beginning when I started doing underwater seascapes, I was concerned about how make a fish’s face or mouth. Then I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I saw examples of everything . For example, some fish mouths went up, some mouths went down ,some were big and some were small with everything in between. Subsequently,this freed me to create as I chose. Clearly,I don’t do scientific drawings. However,I do create whimsical seascapes I call underwater fantasies. This is who I want to be.
Sea Turtles,23″ x 35″
Wavy Quilting Lines
I have noticed that many art quilts that win awards at art quilt shows are heavily quilted with tight quilting lines, mostly straight lines ¼” apart. To me that kind of quilting just tries to control the fabric and squeeze all movement out of the quilt. Movement is one of my guiding influences . My quilting lines swerve and wave from corner to corner. It is what I do. It is my style.
Petite Neutrality, 11″ x 12″
Working from Photos-NOT
I do not like to work from photos. I do not want to create anything that can be copied with a camera. That’s just me. Yet many other art quilters do work from photos. They do create award winning pieces.
Once, I tried to make a landscape quilt using fabric with rocks and trees on it instead of just creating my own. It was not fun trying to find the exact fabric I needed. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Now I prefer to work in the realm of impressionism. Yes, it will obviously be a landscape or a seascape. But I trust the viewers’ eyes and minds to interpret a scene as they see it.
The color of threads changes according to what fabric is near or next to them.The threads and fabric don’t need to match exactly. I love that quality. It frees the artist from certain restraints.More recently I have been making abstract art quilts by choosing three contrasting colors. Then I find the hues of those colors to increase the range of the colors. It is what I do. It is my style.
Creating Texture
To add texture, one might find some 3D decorative threads hanging freely down off of the top. One might see rows of couched decorative threads throughout the piece adding more texture. My nature pieces may include lots of threads used to create bushes or brush in the landscape.One might see straight or curving tucks to add texture and movement. It is what I do. It is my style as an art quilter.
Under the Shady Tree, 27″ x38″h
My Three Portfolios
I have three portfolios that speak to me; Nature quilts(trees, landscapes and underwater fantasies) Mexican inspired pieces ( often fabric collages) and abstract art quilts. I usually rotate between each portfolio making several pieces before moving on. In this way , each portfolio feels new as I haven’t done it for a while. Creating Color! Texture! Movement! in each piece remains consistent. It is satisfying to finally recognize who I am and what I do as an art quilter.The good news is I now know who I am as an art quilter. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/10/myself-the-artist/
De La Sierra, fabric collage with appillera, 32″ x 30″
Some fond fabric memories have stuck with me for many decades. Sewing had been a passion of mine for many years. Then I focussed on quilting traditional bed quilts. I began my art quilting adventure ten years.Where did this passion for sewing begin? In search of the answer to that question, I looked back on some fond fabric memories.
Elementary School
For several years in elementary school, the local women’s chorus came to sing for the school. Singing ladies filled the auditorium stage, each wearing a dress of one solid color. I was mesmerized by all of the different colors. This choir sang only a couple of times at my school, but the image of their dresses stayed with me much more than the music. It was such a fond memory that at age thirty I sewed myself a one color dress (teal)that I wore to work for many years.
The Summer before Grade 7
This !960s crop top and shorts are similar to my first sewing project.
At age 12, I begged my mom to let me take sewing lessons during the summer. My memory is that I had to really push to convince my mom to sign me up. My mom was an incredible knitter but she rarely sewed. A friend of mine from sixth grade and I signed up at the local Singer Sewing Machine store downtown. We diligently chose patterns and fabric to make a pair of shorts and a crop top. If only the class had been designed for a total beginner, it would have been fine. However, the teacher expected women to bring in unfinished projects for her to help them finish. My friend and I had no idea of how to get started or what to do. What a disaster!
Eighth Grade
Luckily, I persevered. Eighth grade sewing taught me the basics of using a pattern and of skirt and blouse construction. I made a white collarless short sleeved shirt with a 7” zipper at the neck. The blue skirt was an A-line.Was there a waistband? Another a 7” zipper was necessary for the skirt. Putting in a zipper was definitely a learned skill. I don’t remember loving the class. But for some reason, I did want to continue to learn more about sewing.
High School
In high school in the late 1960s, I took two years of sewing. I continued to construct more difficult items for my wardrobe. Fond memories involve making jackets with bound buttons . Sophistication reigned when I wore those jackets.In those days, department stores like Macys and The Emporium where I worked sold fabric. As many teenaged girls did,I put a lot of thought into planning my wardrobe. My memory is that I worked hard to have a variety of styles and textures in my clothes. I knit a pale yellow shell to go with a skirt I had sewed. Didn’t everyone make sure their wardrobe was intriguing and fiber fresh?
Adulthood
Over the years I continued sewing clothes. I branched out into bed quilts. I was so passionate about traditional quilts. Often after a monthly lecture at our quilt guild, I wouldn’t be to sleep. I would be so excited to try out a new idea! The memory of my passion remains.
A Fashion Show
Another fond memory while transitioning to my art quilt career involved a fashion show at the Pacific International Quilt Festival. The group challenge was to create an outfit inspired by the book, Rare Bird by Iris Apfel. I made a tunic and skirt using African prints. The skirt is trimmed in black and white lace. While actual quilting was not involved, piecing the fabrics into blocks did take place. I created the fabric by sewing the blocks together. Then I cut out the pieces using a pattern. I had to pay attention to where the particular blocks would show up on the actual tunic.
Becoming an Art Quilter
I have now been making art quilts for ten years. People have told me that I have a good eye for color.My formal art education included one year of breath requirements ( drawing and painting). During my elementary school teaching career, I did work for several years at an arts infused school. When local artists taught my class, I participated along with the students. I later incorporated those lessons into my curriculum.
All in all not a lot of formal art education which makes me reflect on where the sources of my art success come from. I am not sure what I can attribute that to. Maybe the years of wardrobe planning did inform my eye for color. Throughout my whole life, I continued to play with fabrics, textiles and colors. Generally I thought all women did. However, recently I have become aware of the fact that color choices come easier to some than others. Based om my fond fabric memories, I conclude that practice and persistence counts.
Read this interview about Cindy Grisdela,art quilter by Studio Art Quilt Associates(SAQA) too good not to share.
Art Quilter Cindy Grisdela
JourneysEndDetail-CindyGrisdela
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: 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!
