Tag: creativity

How to Begin Creating Art

Face with a Key Nose

Beginning Steps to Creating, Mixed Media assemblage, art in a box with open sides, antique key orange and peach — Orange Key,9″ x 7″

Beginning Steps to Creating Art

Beginning steps to creating art suggests some new ways of thinking about making our world beautiful. Creating comes naturally to humans. We are innately artists. We try to make our world beautiful. Some of us draw; while some of us paint. Others create beautiful food and table settings for our loved ones to enjoy. Others create beauty in their gardens.

Unfortunately, many of us do not feel that we are artistic. I certainly didn’t for many years. Yet, each of us can create beauty in our unique way. Here are some suggestions for beginning steps to creating a more beautiful everything or whatever you choose.

Beginning Steps to Creating Beauty

Part of my career as an elementary school teacher was spent at an arts infused school. We brought in special artists to teach across the arts curriculum from drawing, painting to theatre and dance. I had been at this school before this program started.

When the program began, the whole school adjusted its focus. I witnessed sn incredible shift in students’ attitudes. We told the children that we are going to try and make all of our work beautiful. We would not criticize the work of others. Trying to do one’s best was the important part. The attitude of the whole school changed for the better. It was so powerful to witness that change.

Think Differently.

Looking outside the box. Many times it is our own perspective that keeps us from seeing things in a new way. Often we acquire materials or fabric with a particular idea in mind. Then it is difficult to get rid of that idea or to envision a new use for the item.

Beginning Steps to Creating,Do these look like coffee beans on the fabric? — Do these look like coffee beans?

When I got this green fabric, it reminded me of coffee beans. That is the image that stuck in my head. I wasn’t sure how to use the fabric. It sat on the shelf for a long time. Then I began to think differently about it. How could I use it a different way? I decided to use the ovals as bit of motion in the truck of a tree. What little bits of color could I highlight to pull those colors to the forefront and diminish the greenish colors ? A peachy orange shade would do the trick. As my county recovered from the largest forest fire ever, my art quilts reflect that new growth.

Rebirth of a Forest,art quilt,29" x 22" fabric tree made from fabric that looked like coffee beans,greens and oranges — Rebirth of a Forest,art quilt,29″ x 22″

Turn the Fabric Around

Another way to look at a piece of material or fabric in a new way, is to turn it around. If it has definitite figures on it ,what will they look like from another direction? New and unrecognizable is what I would be going for. When an abstract artist finishes a work, they often turn the art upside down and sideways to see if it might look better from a different angle. The original fabric for the trees and branches in Skyward was a black,white and gray fabric that had greyhound dogs on it. The movement of the fabric caught my eye before I noticed that there were actual dogs on it.

grey and black dogs on fabric, Beginning Steps to Creating — Greyhounds

black and white branches on an indigo died background,Beginning Steps to Creating — Skyward, an art quilt

Imagining Shapes

While working on my nature quilts, I cut out shapes for trees, branches, fish, rocks, or waves. I look at the fabric to see if the shapes on the fabric tell me what it would like to be in my piece. Does a swervy line imply a wave? Maybe a mountrain will appear from the shapes on the fabric? If no shape strikes me on the fabric, then I create my own mountain or a river. The idea is not to find a piece of fabric that has a river on it. But to create a river from lines that the original fabric artist had not thought about..

Visualization

As I am creating, I try to visualize what the piece is lacking. What color or shape needs to be in a particular spot? This often guides me to a hue or textile choice. This is a newly acquired skill for me. I surprised myself when I realized visualization was happening. You can make it happen for you too.

Activities to Practice Beginning Steps to Creating

Here are a couple of powerful skills that can be practiced with no materials at all. Look at pieces of art in the real or virtual world. There certainly are many examples available on social media. Ask yourself, do you like this work? What do you like about it ? How would you make it better? If it were your piece to change, how would you modify it?

Keys to my Heart, 9" x 7", mixed media, art in a box, antique keys and white details — Keys to my Heart, 9″ x 7″

Another practice activity is to think of how many different non traditional ways an item could be used. I recently acquired a box of antique keys. I am venturing forward into assemblage, putting repurposed items together in unusual ways. What could the keys be used for? The possibilities are endless; a nose? hair? or other body parts or just purely decoration? While I searched the internet for inspiration, I came up empty. Left to my own devices,I have sprinkled this post with the ideas that I came up with.

Face with a Key Nose, mixed media — Face with a Key Nose

In Conclusion

Start with baby steps. Create small bits beauty in your life. Practice helps. I took an assemblage class over two years ago. It took me this long for the ideas to perculate through my brain. Be kind to yourself during the learning process. Trying in the first step. There are no mistakes just whether you as the artist likes it or not. If not, modify it. Dip into your humanity and make the world more beautiful.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/07/art-materials-hard-or-soft/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/09/develop-your-art-passion/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/01/first-steps-towards-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/02/recent-attempts-at-assemblage/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/05/paper-as-art-material/

More ideas- Here is one of my favorite artists.
https://www.janetsilverglate.com/

Check out these One of a Kind Artful Fabric Business Cards

Artful Fabric Business Cards

My Artful Fabric Business Cards reflect my art quilt business. Business cards generally give basic information about a business; location, phone number and email . Yet, I take my business cards a step further. They are small art quilts. For people who do not know what an art quilt is,the business card gives them an actual example to choose and take with them.

Reducing Waste

Reducing waste is a major motivation for me. My cards are made of fabric that most people would throw away. I use a fabric pen to write on a plain piece of fabric. The batting inside has no other use either. I also found that as my business grew my info changed. Because I hadn’t printed out my cards, I was able to adjust easily without wasting paper.

Artful Fabric Business Cards — I started with this info on one side.

Each card is unique. Most people enjoy choosing their favorite colors or patterns. My cards are a committment statement about my work.

Making the Cards

People often say ,”Doesn’t it take a lot of time to make the cards?” I use the assembly line approach to production. First, I write the info about 20 times on white or plain fabric. Then, maybe at a different time, I sew small pieces of left over fabric together. At another time, I baste the three layers together with a glue stick. Followed by sewing two curvy lines, horizontally across the pieces. Zigzagging the edges comes last. I generally find that there are times when I don’t feel top notch or I need a break from creating. Those times are when I turn to making my fabric cards. So it is not as if I am taking productive time away from actual work.

My First Fabric Cards

I made my first cards when I was still working full time. I tried different things and learned from people’s responses. When I shared my card with a coworker, she actually shrieked. That was a surprising response. But I took it as a yes, I was on the right path! My first attempts were to make each card extremely special, like a real art quilt. I soon learned that that was not really necessary. People were thrilled with a simpler more random piece. So I simplified my process.

Starting Out

I admit that these cards to require more effort than a paper printed card. It was my decision to give them away. Yet, another early experience made me make adjustments. At a gallery show I was in, a woman proudly came up to me and shared that she had taken four of my cards and used them as coasters. I was such a newbie I didn’t know how to respond.

Now I would say, the first one is free. The others are $10. Because of that experience,I found a finer tip fabric pen that would let me write smaller. I reduced the size of my cards also so that they were closer to 3 or 4 inches rather than 5 inches.

Another benefit was that I could easily change the information on my cards. When I moved my studio downtown,I made new cards with the address on it. Later I decided to add my phone number. These changes would have been costly and wasteful if I had used paper business cards.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/11/decorative-mouse-pads/

In conclusion, fabric business cards do take longer to make. However, I make them with fabric and batting that many would throw way. They allow me to reuse and reduce while making a memorable art quilt.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/03/why-i-love-my-unique-business-cards/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/do-you-believe-serendipity-brings-joy/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/05/reuse-dont-toss/

Now is the time Develop Your Own Art Style!

Splendid Fairy Wren, abstract art quilt

Develop Your Art Style

Ann Baldwin May wrote Develop Your Art Style as a potential Zoom talk at a NorCal /Southern Nevada Regional Meeting of the International Art quilters organization,SAQA. Although this post’s original audience was art quilters, many of the points apply to all forms of artists. Especially artists who are just beginning to put themselves and their art out into the world.

Introduction

Ann Baldwin May developed her art style to become a quilt artist. Ms. May reinvented herself in retirement. Her art friends call her resilient, a prolific artist and a master at social media. She was accepted into the New York Art Center in Tribeca in 2019.

Develop Your Art Style

How to develop your own art style? Do you want to make a career out of art ? Do you want to sell items that you make? Is your goal to be in a museum? These decisions are part of the process. An answer does not need to be made right away. Only one person can make these decisions. It is YOU.
In the beginning,I would visit shows and see no art quilts that looked like mine. At first, I worried about this, but then I realized that it was a good thing. I had my own unique style. I focussed on developing it more.

Honing your Craft

Develop your skill set .This will be your bag of tricks that you will draw from.What skills are you good at? What skills do you like to use while making your art? Use these to develop your own style.
Classes are great but at some point one has to work on developing their own style.
Attend SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) conferences. The workshops offer great advice for all steps of your career.

brown and golden tree art quilt,Develop Your Art Style — Celebrating Fall 33″h x 31″ w

Putting Yourself Out There

The 20^th century model for art and many things was make or do great work. Then the world would come to you. The 21^st century model is different. Each person needs to let the world know what they are doing. This can be difficult for some of us to do. However,I found this phrase helpful when I started out. Hi, I am shamelessly promoting my work. This phrase shows that it is uncomfortable yet it still needs to be done.

Let people know what you are doing. Share with your friends and the groups you are in. They will be a big support for you especially in the beginning.
Start a list of people who want to hear from you. Gather names and emails at each show you participate in. Use it to notify people of what you are doing. I do a monthly newsletter about where I am showing my art or what I am making.
What is your digital footprint? If someone sees your work and googles you, what will they see? What do you want to see when you google an artist? A website announces to the world that you are serious about your art. Online sale sites are growing. Besides sales, I have gotten commissions from my Etsy shop. I was also contacted by an editor for Art Quilting Studio to write articles for them. I was interviewed by a freelance writer for the Smithsonian Magazine due to my digital footprint.

Each Community is Unique.

Each community is unique. I happen to live in a community with a vibrant art scene. Santa Cruz, California is fifth in the nation of listing artists as their livelihood.There are opportunities to show your work at restaurants, coffee shops, quilts shows, county fairs, festivals,real estate offices,First Fridays events, Open Studios Art Tours. Your community is probably different. join together with others and form a group. Accept the opportunity to create your own events.

Educating the Public about what You Do

Take the opportunity to educate the public about art quilts. I usually say art quilting is a new form. It (SAQA) began in 1989 in Northern CA. Yvonne Porcella was actually born and raised in my county. Many people still don’t know about it.

an underwater fantasy art quilt,Develop Your Art Style — Sea Turtles,23″ x 35″,an underwater fantasy art quilt

Further Steps

Create a laser statement, sometimes called a elevator talk. Explain what you do in a sentence or two. Most people know what quilts.But they are still unfamiliar with art quilts. I usually say art quilts use quilting technique to make wall art. My portfolios are Nature, Abstracts and Mexican inspired art quilts.
Reach beyond the art quilt world to the art world in general. Enter shows that accept fiber art.
Local press- If you are having shows or creating events the local press with search you out. Of course, you can also let them know.
Be professional. Be a person someone wants to work with. Leave your ego at the door.Be prompt, prepared at all steps.

About ten years I began my art path into the world. I gleaned these ideas presented here mainly from my own search to develop my own style. I find that they have worked for me. As one takes baby steps into the art world, people will comment on what they see or like. This feedback from the public will help you define your own style.You may have one but you may not truly recognize it. I offer these suggestions to help as you develop your own art style.

You may be interested in reading more about my style.

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

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/03/using-redirected-fabrics-and-materials/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/05/be-ready-with-your-laser-statement/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/smaller-art/

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

New York Art

Looking for Unusual Fabrics? Find Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics

Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award

Inspiration from Discontinued Designer Fabrics

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.

Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics Using Redirected Fabrics and Materials abstract,orange,green — Autumn Comes to the Farm,an art quilt made from redirected fabrics, 20″ x 20″

Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics Using Redirected Fabrics and Materials abstract,gold, deep red,an art quilt — 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.

Gees Bend inspired abstract,brown, beige, golden,an art quilt made from redirected materials — Rusty Cans in the Wash,16″ x 15″

art quilt black,white, rust — 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/

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

You can learn more about FABMO here.

Desire more texture in your art? Add decorative threads.

an egret in the wetlands,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Wetlands Wanderer,an egret in the wetlands Above all,notice the decorative threads at the bottom of the quilt. 28″ x 27″

Add Decorative Threads for Texture

Above all,decorative threads add texture to art quilts. Furthermore,texture is part of my mantra, Color! Texture! and Movement! Therefore, I take creating, finding and using texture very seriously. Above all for me, it is fun. I get excited about repurposing decorative ribbons and threads in my art quilts. I would like to take this opportunity to share some ideas.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

Discovering New Materials

My artistic path evolved about the same time I found Fabmo fabric and more https://www.fabmo.org/. Fabmo is a nonprofit that rescues fabric samples and materials from designers to keeping them out of the landfill. In addition,they make them available to the public. The charming decorative three dimensional details call to me. However, I discovered these threads quite by accident. For example,I accidently took some details apart. Most importantly, I discovered lovely threads and ribbons to add texture to my art quilts.

decorative details,Decorative Threads Add Texture — decorative details

Ribbons from disassembled details,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Ribbons from disassembled details

Take Things Apart to find Decorative Threads for Texture

These small details add texture, fiber and interest to art quilts. However,some of the threads are quite long when disassembled. Lots of room for creativity. Make a small detail by twisting and folding longer threads. Decorative threads entered my art pieces. In addition, I use these decorative details to add 3D texture to both my abstract and nature inspired art quilts.

Cinnamon threads abstract art quilt,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Cinnamon Threads, detail from an abstract art quilt detail of 23″ x 20″ art quilt

How Would You Use These Decorative Threads?

Decorative Threads Add Texture,Red detail — Red detail

Beige detail and disassembled red detail,Decorative Threads Add Texture — Beige detail and disassembled red detail

Some Examples of What I Did

In addition,here are a couple of photos of works in progress highlighting deconstructed fibers.

Big egret a work in progress — An egret, a work in progress

fibers in a work in progress,Decorative Threads Add Texture — fibers in a work in progress,

Helpful Hints

Not in the San Francisco Bay area with access to FABMO in Sunnyvale? Find interior decorators in your area. They will be thrilled to pass on their “outdated” details. Moreover,beautiful yarns can be found at garage sales. Leftover pieces of interesting yarns may also be found at yard sales or Goodwill. Decorative threads are available for purchase. Of course, interesting decorative threads are often sold at quilt shows. Does your local quilt guild have a flea market? Lots of good finds there.

In Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope that you will be inspired to try and incorporate more decorative threads into your art quilts. Therefore, please share your successes and advice. Above all, try something new.

These articles may be of interest to you.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/

http://fabmo.org

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/the-devil-is-in-the-details-textile-details/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/underwater-fantasy-art-quilt-a-work-in-progress/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/yarn-adds-texture-to-an-art-quilt/

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

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

How to Name an Art Work

Shore to Sky Z

Gees Bend inspired art quilt in green and cream — Shore to Sky H

How to Name an Art Work

Choosing a name for an art work is not an easy task. Yet, when the title of one’s art piece fits the work, it feels like pure genius.The title can capture the essence of the piece. What the artist wants to say or what the piece is about. I find it worth the effort. Yet, many times genius can elude us.

How To Name An Art Work

“Untitled- Number 325” The running joke of a prolific artist from a fiber group was just that. Untitled Number 325. That is how she answered when asked what the name of her latest piece was. She liked doing the work but not the naming part of it. So each piece was left unnamed.

On the other extreme,Brad Burkhart,a local clay sculptor created a lengthy group process to name a piece. He asks the group questions which lead to a consensus for the piece by consensus. He strongly supports and promotes this process. How to name an art piece can be a private or a public effort.

I Put on my Poetry Hat

Both of those processes feel unsatisfactory to me. I name my pieces by several different methods. My preferred method is to put on my poetry hat metaphorically. I try to think of an engaging title that adds to the viewer’s experience. What I was thinking about while making my art?

At times I think about what the piece looks like. People read all of my titles once they realize that they are engaging and interesting. Naming my art is an opportunity to share my creative vision and to engage with the audience. I don’t want to hand such an important element of my expression over to anyone else.

Here are some examples of my art and how and why they were so entitled.

What I Was Thinking About

an abstract art quilt named because of blue fabrics with pops of color like water,How to Name an Art Work — Rogue Wave, an abstract art quilt, 36″ x 36″

A rogue wave or sneaker wave often hits the Central Coast of California in the winter. It is a large,strong, unexpected wave that can be very dangerous. While making this art quilt, warnings for rogue waves were being broadcast daily on the news. As my pieces included colors that reflected water and movement, I chose that title.

A Fitting Genre and Style

an abstract fabric collage art quilt in black, white, and rust,How to Name an Art Work — This art quilt is named Sherman Alexie Comes to Bookclub,

Sherman Alexie Comes to Bookclub is a modern piece inspired by the new membreño colors of black, white and rust. Mr. Alexie is a Native American author who writes about urban Indians. I thought that it was a good fit for this piece. Although it is a bit of an inside joke, if the audience doesn’t know Sherman Alexie .

Under the Savannah Shade using African fabrics,How to Name an Art Work — Under the Savannah Shade using African fabrics, 36″ x 42″

Under the Savannah Shade is a bright abstract art quilt. The African fabrics in greens, oranges, and yellows reminded me of a hot summer’s day. Wouldn’t some shade be nice? The blue material provided that shade.

Descriptive Titles

When genius eludes us, a descriptive title will do. What do you see in the art piece? Does it remind you of something? What location is it inspired by?

Challenges

a tree with a fence,fabric art,How to Name an Art Work — Under the Shady Tree,37″ x 25″

award winning art quilt of a great blue heron,How to Name an Art Work — Great Blue Heron at Dusk, 31″ x 25″

an art quilt using black and white background,How to Name an Art Work — Gridlock I, 33″ x 31″

an art quilt using black and white background with bits of color,How to Name an Art Work — Gridlock II, 42″ x 36″

May I share some challenges to naming one’s art. Early in my art career, I named some pieces Gridlock I and Gridlock II. Gridlock II was juried into a “MAYHEM”show at the ARC Gallery in San Francisco. In spite of that honor, I couldn’t remember which piece was number I and which was number II. I decided to avoid numbering my art again. You may have a different opinion.

Naming a Series

Gees Bend inspired art quilt in greens and beige — Shore to Sky Z

Gees Bend inspired art quilt in blues — Shore to Sky F

Yet, when I did a series of small abstract art quilts based on the colors of the sky meeting the land and water . I named them Shore to Sky A,B ,C through Z that presented no problems. Maybe the wider range of colors helped me differentiate the pieces better.

Conclusion

Part of being as artist is sharing one’s vision with the local community and the greater world. Naming one’s art can add to the presentation of our work. It is a personal statement. Do not miss this opportunity to connect with the public.

These are just some examples of how I named my art quilts. Were they helpful either directly or indirectly? Do you have some ideas of your own that you think worked well? Please share.

https://burkhart-sculptor.com/category/name-a-piece/

To learn more about Brad Burkhart’s process to name his art follow this link.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/01/yarn-adds-texture-to-art-quilts-again/

How to Create Movement in Abstract Art Quilts

Creating Movement in Abstract Art Quilts

First of all,I love creating movement in my abstract art quilt pieces. A fiber artist friend asked me,“What are the essential elements you want your audience to know about your work? What do you want them to take away from seeing your art?” This friend versed in the deep discussions generated by involvement with the Artist Conference Network. I am grateful for those thought provoking questions. They helped me coalesce the ideas I had been mulling over.

My Mantra

The question brought my mantra into focus; color, texture, movement. As I have already posted about color and texture in my art quilts, it is time to explore creating movement in my abstract art quilt pieces. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/adding-color-to-your-art-quilts/

bright blues, greens and yellow fabrics create movement in this art quilt 37 " x 37" 94cm x 94cm — Beach Umbrellas,an abstract art quilt,
37 ” x 37″ 94cm x 94cm curved line piecing creates move

Spring Break, an abstract art quilt of blues, yellows and green create movement 32" x 32" 81cm x 81cm — Spring Break,an abstract art quilt,
32″ x 32″ 81cm x 81cm curved line piecing creates movement

Creating Movement in Abstract Art Quilts

How does one infuse movement into something that is inherently flat and static? Curved line piecing rather than just straight line sewing is one way to add movement in abstract art quilt pieces. At first, I attempted to make every seam a curved line. Then I realised that it proved too much of a good thing. The wobbly surface wasn’t the effect I wanted. Some straight lines are important for shape and balance. Another true life lesson learned: balance is important. Now I choose lines more carefully for visual impact to sew via curved line piecing. They may be wildly or more subtly shaped curves. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-movement-in-art/

Activity on the Material

I choose the fabrics I use with movement in mind. I look for interesting curved lines that can create movement in my abstract art quilts. When I cut them up, they add interest and drama. They catch the eye and draw it in. One fabric of elongated greyhound dogs was rotated and sliced into the pieces. The shape of the animals disappeared yet the movement of the line remained. Other fabrics provide a pop of action to the piece. Creating the illusion of movement is an essential part in my abstract art quilts.

Beginning to zigzag yarns on grey, black, white linen background,lines on fabric create movement — Beginning to zigzag yarns on grey, black, white linen background

Skyward, First steps -See the dogs.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/06/abstract-art-in-fabric/

Movement While Quilting

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

Black and White branches on an indigo and white sky background 25" x 25" 63cm x 63cm — Skyward, 25″ x 25″ 63cm x 63cm finished piece

Couching Decorative Threads

One technique I now consider quintessential part of my tool box is couching decorative threads. I sew multiple colored threads or yarns on to a strip of fabric. Then I cut them up into random lengths and use them as fabric. At first, the main purpose was to add texture to my pieces. Yet, the threads are often sewn in undulating parallel lines creating the slightest of distortion and movement. In Copper Cliffs both examples given can be seen, the fabric with irregular dots and the lines of decorative threads I cut apart.

an abstract art quilt in rust and browns, curvy lines of yarn create movement
21" x 19"
53 cm x 48 cm — Copper Cliffs, an art quilt,21 ” x 19″
53 cm x 48 cm curvy lines of yarn create movement

I create my abstracts on a design wall. I take time to balance the colors and fabrics. Quiet spaces let one’s eyes rest. Looking at the piece with fresh eyes may take several days or longer before sewing the pieces together.

an abstract art quilt black and white with bits of color,curved line piecing creates movement 36" x 42"
91 cm x 107 cm — Gridlock II, an abstract art quilt,
36″ x 42″ 91 cm x 107 cm curved line piecing creates movement

an abstract art quilt black and white,curved line piecing creates movement 33" x 31" 84cm x 79 cm — Gridlock I ,an abstract art quilt black and white 33″ x 31″ 84cm x 79 cm

A Final Look

Abstract artists have the added benefit of being able to rotate the completed piece. They look to see if the art may be better from a different direction. It just might happen. Just because it was conceived and executed in one direction doesn’t mean that it cannot look better “upside down.”

an abstract art quilt in pale blue, light green and cream colors,wacky, fun scribble quilting creates movement 29"h x 25"w 74 cm x 64cm — Sandy Shore, an abstract art quilt
29″h x 25″w 74 cm x 64cm wacky, scribble quilting creates movement

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

Do you Squash your Art Quilts?

As you can tell, movement in an art quilt is important to me. Yet not all art quilters share my view. A trend in quilting art quilts seems to be creating as many stitching lines on a piece as possible. These lines tend to be straight lines with about ¼” spacing. They may turn at sharp corners. While attending a recent national art quilt shows, I noticed that almost 75% of the quilts had such quilting. I admit that such narrow line quilting may be effective for some pieces. The skill level is high for the artists that quilt that way. However, this style makes me cringe. Squashing and smashing the fabric into flat controlled pieces actually saddens me. Such tight stitching suffocates the fabric, preventing it from moving or breathing.

Best Parts about Making Abstract Quilts

I love making abstract art quilts. There are several reasons why. While placing pieces on the design wall, there is flexibility to easily add fabrics or change their locations. Furthermore, I can turn the fabric piece upside down or even side ways to choose the best spot. This also works if the fabric pieces have decorative threads on them. Do I want the lines to go vertically or horizontally? In addition, if I sew two fabrics together incorrectly, I just cut the fabric off easily and resew. No seam ripping is necessary. I welcome these hacks after experiences making traditional blocks where more accuracy is demanded.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I create movement in my abstract art pieces in several ways. I choose some pieces of fabric because they show movement as part of the design element. Couching decorative threads in not quite straight lines adds subtle movement. Pieces are sewn together with a curved line piecing technique. Finally the artist generates wavy lines all over the piece while quilting the three layers of fabric together. A basically flat piece of art is brought to life by these techniques.

Read about Other Resources

Read more about the Artist Conference Network. This artist driven organization supports artists as they move towards their artistic goals. Groups meet periodically to share and review each artist’s goals.

https://artistconference.com/

Here are links to my posts about adding color and texture to art quilts.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/color/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/07/creating-texture-in-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/10/step-by-step-instructions/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/04/wacky-fun-scribblequilting/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/08/when-why-how-to-quilt/

What Makes my Art Unique? Coming into my Own as an Art Quilter

Sea Turtles,23" x 35"

Coming into my Own as an Art Quilter

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.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/12/on-being-brave/

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

Others’ Art Quilts

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,an underwater fantasy art quilt — 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.

an abstract art quilt in beiges and browns — 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.

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/09/becoming-more-creative/

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

Threads and Colors

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.

a tree with a fence,fabric art — 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/

Mexican themed fabric collage — De La Sierra, fabric collage with appillera, 32″ x 30″

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/12/on-being-brave/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/01/memories-of-color-favorites/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/sources-of-ones-creativity/

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/03/pechakucha-laser-talk/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/annbmayartquilts https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/blog-posts/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/09/fond-fabric-memories/

The Joy of Following your Heart

blueVirgen de Guadalupe

The wisdom of the art world says that an artist should develop one identifiable portfolio of work. The audience should be able to recognize the work as work from the artist. At a later date, the artist may move in a different direction.Yet, isn’t following your heart why artists make art?

Following your Heart

My soul directs me to do something different. I must listen. So I have three portfolios that I take turns making; Mexican Inspired Fabric Collages, Nature Art Quilts and Abstract Art Quilts. Usually I make five or more pieces before moving on to another portfolio. The work remains fresh and new to me in this way.

Mexican Inspired Fabric Collages

Mexican themed fabric collage inspiration for listening to myself — De La Sierra, fabric collage

Mexican inspired fabric collages drew me to begin my art career. I gather fabric, details and found objects that I identify with the Mexican experience to use. The art pieces are mostly machine pieced together. Some embellishments require hand sewing. Whimsical, unusual effects are fun to include. To not make them would prevent me from following my heart. I draw on my knowledge of Spanish. I learned so much from my experiences dancing with Los Méxicas, the University of California at Santa Cruz’s Mexican folk dance group. Other influences include my travels to Mexico and my thirty six year elementary school teaching career working mainly with children of immigrants from Mexico. Following your heart takes many forms.

Abstract Art Quilts

an abstract art quilt in pale blue, light green and cream colors — Sandy Shore, an abstract art quilt

“Ann Baldwin May’s quilts are like abstract paintings.” Dave de Give
“Oh, I didn’t realize that the art was a quilt.” I thought it was a painting. A visitor commented during Open Studios art tour. She had only seen a small photo of the abstract work in a catalogue.

No fabric squares or blocks. No patterns. I create color, texture and movement using tucks, decorative threads and fibers with undulating quilting stitches. I use pieces of mostly redirected fabric to create my abstract art quilts. Art quilts free me to use a wide range of colors. Art quilts free me to experiment with unusual fabrics.

Nature Quilts

Tree Along Creek, art quilt, inspiration for listening to myself — Tree Along Creek,art quilt,32″ x 27″ 2019

My third portfolio is my nature quilts. I make trees, landscapes, seascapes and underwater fantasies. These fabric landscape and seascape collage art quilts use the fabric layering technique. I cover them with tulle and free motion quilted together. The tulle remains to hold the pieces in place but it is often invisible. Sheer fabrics and synthetics add a watery effect to the scenes. The art quilts are often colorful and whimsical. Some pieces I call underwater fantasies .

You may be interested in reading more about the techniques I use to create these art quilts.

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/11/mexican-inspired-fabric-collages/

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

/https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2023/02/see-unfinished-projects-in-a-new-way/

See My Fond Fabric Memories

Ecology Flag

Some Fond Fabric Memories

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.

tunic and skirt made for Pacific International Quilt Show Fashion Show

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.

You may also be interested in this article about what I do now.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/02/why-one-makes-art/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/06/resilience/

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

Want to Be More Creative?

American Democracy,2019 3D details are visible.

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

Becoming More Creative

They must be a Genius.

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

Creativity is not a Fixed Entity.

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

Making Choices

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

Plan something. Then Work to make it Better.

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

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

Fresh Eyes

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

In Conclusion

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

How I Found Inspiration for an Abstract Art Quilt

blue bird — Splendid Fairy Wren from Australia

Inspiration for an Abstract Art Quilt

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

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

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

trying out locations, balancing shapes and colors step2

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

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

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

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

Naming the Piece

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

A Funny thing Happened on the way to my Next Quilt

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

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

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

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

Helpful Hints

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

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/04/an-abstract-art-quilt-sunset-through-the-forest/
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/06/couching-threads-and-creating-fabri/

How to Create Texture in Art Quilts

Under the Shady Tree detail 2

Creating Texture in Art

Techniques for creating texture on a flat piece objects are subtle. In other posts, I addressed other aspects of my mantra, Color!Texture!Movement! Moreover, adding color or movement creates a bolder statement. Above all,color impacts the viewer first and then movement next. But texture may even go unnoticed. However, now I will share my ideas for creating texture in my art quilts.

Tucks Create Texture

For instance, tucks are small seams sewn on the edge of a fold. Yet, a series of 3-5 tucks create texture. For example, in Upwelling they represent the layers of earth movement. Furthermore,this technique is also helpful to reduce the size of a piece of fabric by just a small amount.

green and teal art quilt with a pop of magenta — Upwelling, 30″ x 34″ Tucks run the width of several pieces to create texture.

Naturally Thick Fabrics

On the other hand,corduroy or other thick fabrics add texture by their nature. Look for fabrics that naturally have an interesting texture like dupioni silk. Unfortunately, these fabrics are often challenging to work with. Most importantly,develop your skills so that you will be able to work with them more easily.

Couching Decorative Threads

In addition,couching (zigzaging)different threads on fabric adds texture. First,I couch threads on long strips. Then I cut the pieces apart to use as fabric. In addition,this is a good way to utilize small pieces of yarn or decorative threads. At the same time,use the same color of thread to emphasize the line aspect of art. in this way,the focus will be on the color of the yarn not the color of stitching thread.

abstract art quilt in golds and light browns,Desert Sands, 16" x 21" 2015 — Desert Sands, 16″ x 21″ 2015

Three Dimensional Objects

Furthermore,add texture with 3D objects. In addition,artistic people may create their own 3D object using fibers. Here I included two fabric figures that I had previously made. Similarly,on the male figure, I added a serape for the Mexican theme. Likewise,embroidery thread hair,jewelry and lace completed the female’s figure.Finally,I added found plastic objects.

a Mexican inspired 3D art quilt — El Senor y La Senora Win Loteria

True Confessions Time

Ultimately,sometimes I am motivated by just using up materials. What items can I add to my art to finish it up? As a result, this random technique led me to a positive ending. I had about 8 designer samples of short threads in different colors wrapped together. Spontaneously I decided to add them to the foot of a tree. Don’t they look like grass? Boy! did this work!

a tree with a fence,fabric art,
Under the Shady Tree, 37" x 25" 2019 — Under the Shady Tree, 37″ x 25″ 2019

decorative threads are used to look like plants growing at the base of the tree — Under the Shady Tree detail 2

Start with Fiber

Fun With Fiber 6, Fiber container holds southwestern fabrics, burlap background — Fun With Fiber 6

Start with fiber. Here I used a redirected folded fiber piece. I added a found Mexican(Aztec inspired) clay head and redirected fabrics. Then I attached it to a highly textured piece of burlap.

In conclusion, the techniques to add texture include tucks, thicker fabrics, couching decorative threads, and adding three dimensional objects. There must be other ways to add texture.
Do you know of any? Please respond with your suggestions. I am open to new ideas.

How to Create Movement in Abstract Art Quilts

These articles may also be of interest to you.

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

How to Improve Your Next Art Quilt

Important Life Skill for Artists-Develop Resilience

Burlap and Silk,An art quilt demonstrating the contrasting fabrics of soft and hard rough and smooth

An important life skill for artists to develop is resilience. Resilience helps one weather the rough spots in life. Learn who you are. Learn what your passion is and develop it . Be authentic. Friends, family members and those close to you may not see your passion as you do. Focus on what is true and real for you. This can be hard. As human beings we rely on the reflections of those around us to see ourselves.

Following One’s own Path takes Resilience.

Developing resilience is an important life skill for artists to combat certain comments people might make. “What are you doing that for? “People will say the first thing that pops into their mind without thinking. Realize that it is okay if some people don’t agree with your choice of activity. When someone doesn’t like what I am deeply involved in, I often think about model trains. Some people are extremely passionate about model trains, something that I have absolutely no interest in.

“Isn’t that a lot of work?” Just yesterday a neighbor made that comment about all of the work I do to maintain my garden. I love doing it. I can’t imagine not doing. It is the same way I feel about my art. Passion is what you can’t live without. It isn’t work if you like doing it. Picture water sliding off a duck’s back when disparaging remarks are made. Little by little build resiliency.

Being the Black Sheep takes Resilience.

Developing resilience is an important life skill for artists tostand up to certain activities other might want you to do. When growing up my family was into sports; listening, watching on TV and attending baseball and football games. Of course, I also did these things until I got old enough to realize that I didn’t want to do it anymore. I would rather be out doing something active than watching others do it. This act of resilience was easy for me. Being the odd man out may not be as easy for some people. Of course, it would be nice if the people we care about also cared about the things that we care about. But that doesn’t always happen.

Overcoming Setbacks takes Resilience.

Setbacks can also happen. Sometimes one’s work or family responsibilities take center stage. Being a responsible person creates its own confidence and resiliency. When one knows themselves and is authentic, then moving in a new direction can support one’s vision.

Life skills for artists Develop Resilience.

Many paths lead to success. If one path doesn’t work, find another. Take the long view. A different path might not immediately be visible. Keep working towards your goal, be it personal or professional or artistic.

The poster in my laundry room has this quote on it.

“Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.” Albert Einstein

Or as a favorite song, The Middle by Jimmy Eat World says

(partial lyrics)

“Live right now, yeah, just be yourself.
It doesn’t matter if it’s good enough for someone else.

It just takes some time,
Little girl, you’re in the middle of the ride.
Everything, everything will be just fine,
Everything, everything will be alright, alright.

Just do your best do everything you can
And don’t you worry what the bitter hearts are gonna say.”

Resilience is a life skill that can be developed and nourished. It applies to our professional, personal as well as our artistic endevours. Things happen in life that are sometimes out of our control. Don’t take setbacks personally. Just forge forward.

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

New Kind of Talk-Pechakucha Laser Talk

Spring Break, 32" x32", $695.

Pechakucha Laser Talk

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

My Art Quilt World

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

Spring Break, an art quilt

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

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

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

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

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

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

Skyward, an art quilt

grey and black dogs,Pechakucha laser talk — Greyhounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under the Shady Tree, an art quilt

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

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

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

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

tree branches against a beige background — a different view

Last but not least,Shiny sheer fabrics add interest.

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

Creating Texture

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

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

In conclusion, learn more about these techniques.

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

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

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

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

https://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

Why Does One Make Art?

Greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract inspired by a winter sunset,Why One Makes Art — Winter Sunset 23″ h x 22″ 2018

Burlap and Silk 24" x 23" 2015,Shades of gold, brown, and white fabric transparent,rough, silky and shinyWhy One Makes Art — Burlap and Silk 24″ x 23″ 2015

yellow orange and white fabrics mix with textured netting Why One Makes Art — Cheddar and Triscuits,30″ x 28″ 2015

I find Cheddar and Triscuits a perfect name for this art quilt.Cheddar is the name of the color used in. The cheddar and white traditional quilting blocks contrast with several types of redirected high end fabric from the San Francisco Design Center. Fiberous netting and decorative threads and synthetic raffia add texture. I couched other decorative threads and rickrack on a strip of fabric. Then I cut them into smaller pieces to add where needed.

Circuit Board 15" x 14" 2015, greens and oranges in this abstract art quilt. The fabrics looked like a circuit board. — Circuit Board 15″ x 14″ 2015

When I first saw the fabric with the dashes on it, I immediately thought of a computer circuit board. I added many redirected fabrics in this piece. Decorative threads couched on a long strip of fabric and then sliced into pieces add interest. Pulling in colors similar to the fabric with dashes was fun. It was done without much thought but with much necessity.

Brown and blue layered fabric pieces create stratification. Adorned with bone beads. — The Quarry 21″ x 31″ 2015

The Quarry uses found materials,beads and the color,brown that I usually avoid. Someone created fabric with a process of marbling paper in several colors, black, blue and reflective blue and pink. The stratification formed by these fabrics was a new idea to me. Bone beads added a 3D effect as if they were layered under the ground and just peeking out of a cliff.

In Conclusion

Playing with the contrast of fabrics or your chosen materials lets you create something unexpected. An outlier can suggest a new direction or technique to follow in the future. It is up to the artist to make that decision. Or maybe the success of the project that will make the decision for the artist. Make your art like your life depended on it! Because it does!

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2022/12/how-to-break-your-own-art-rules/

For more information, on creating abstract art quilts read these posts.
https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/05/work-in-progress-winter-sky-sunset/

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/10/a-work-in-progress-sunlit-boulders/

Social Justice Sewing Academy Making the World Better One Quilt at a Time

Academy of Social Justice

SARAH C. RICH JAN 2, 2019

sjsa-3 — (Photo: Courtesy of the Social Justice Sewing Academy)

The afternoon quilting workshop at Hillcrest Elementary School in San Francisco, California, meets in a mobile classroom behind the main building. After the school day is over. Then sixteen kids have walked across the basketball court, dropped their backpacks, and headed for a table piled high with colorful fabric. Then they cut out silhouettes and gluing block letters.For example, a red appliqué stop sign reads Stop Deportation. Or the letters LGBTQ underscore a feminine face with a small of a black mustache. Then the caption says Let Me Be Me.

Sara Trail

Sara Trail, the 23-year-old founder of the Social Justice Sewing Academy organizes these quilting bees for activist youth. She’s raced over from her day job teaching high school courses to incarcerated adults.

Inspired by Trayvon Martin’s death

Trail says that social justice work became urgent for her when she was a high school senior in the wealthy Bay Area suburb of Walnut Creek. It was February of 2012, she recalls, and she’d just celebrated her 17th birthday. On the opposite side of the country, a boy she didn’t know had also just turned 17. Someone she might never have heard of except that shortly after his birthday, he was killed.His slaying made national news. It was Trayvon Martin.

Trail was one of the few black kids in her neighborhood. When Martin was killed, she says, she didn’t yet fear the police. She says that her parents were protective and focused on scholarly achievements. “I did swimming and reading and piano,” Trail says. However, from age four, she sewed. Quilting enabled Trail to express the intense feelings that Martin’s death aroused.After that, ” I started making my first art quilt,” she says, “which was Trayvon’s face.”

A few months later, she began her freshman year at the University of California,Berkeley. In addition,she also began tutoring at a nearby public school. Then,she decided to try using craft as a way for students to comment on the issues that touched their own lives.

Quilting and Social Justice

Quilting might seem too quiet and slow to hold teenagers’ attention. But it has always been a kind of social media. For centuries, quilting circles have been a space for women to discuss their lives and to seek support. Quilts themselves have served as a mode of communication where others failed or posed a threat.

a small grant

At the end of her senior year at Berkeley, Trail founded the Social Justice Sewing Academy with a small grant. She used the money to buy sewing machines, supplies, and public transit tickets for students. In the mornings, she taught ethnic studies and critical consciousness. In the afternoons, the issues would inspire sketches for a quilt square. I paid attention to the student’s interests.If they mentioned redlining, then we would look at maps of their area. Later they would find out how many buildings had been foreclosed. Research how many families were given predatory loans Trail says.

Seasoned Quilters Help Out

Trail built a worldwide network of seasoned quilters through Instagram. She mails the students’ fabric squares for final stitching to the experienced quilters. Most of them are older, white, and living in places where they rarely come into direct contact with youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. However, they are eager to help and share their skills.

“C is for Colorism”

Bianca Mercado participated in an Social Justice Sewing Academy workshop as a 17-year-old at her high school in Massachusetts. She created an alphabet quilt with 26 social justice statements. Her “C is for Colorism” block was mailed to Colleen Haraden-Gorski, a water-resource specialist in California. Haraden-Gorski researched color discrimination. Then she decided to stitch in a rectangle of brown fabric with a script reading brown paper bag. The added detail refers to the custom among African Americans to compare their skin tones to brown paper.

Touring Around the Country

Now, Mercado’s quilt is touring exhibitions around the country. Moreover, it often hangs among more traditional patterns, surprising viewers accustomed to tamer geometries. From the quiet patchwork of fabric, the young artist’s voice speaks loud and clear.

In Conclusion

The Social Justice Sewing Academy now has branches all over the country. Due to the work of Sara Trail, her dream has expanded.https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/07/political-quilts2008-2014/