Color! Texture! Movement! Using Repurposed Materials!
Tag: fiber art
Fiber art is an art medium that uses fabric,cloth, weaving or fibers to create fine art. It can also reference the action of creating fibers through weaving.
What are people thinking when they ask weird questions and comments? Meeting with the public to share one’s art is always opening one up to an unknown experience. In reality that is part of the fun. Yet, at times it is difficult to know what the people are thinking. This blogpost shares some unusual questions and comments that I have received.
Vacant Lot 43″ x 31″ 109 x79cm
At a recent First Friday Art Tour, I had a large tree art quilt on display Vacant Lot, 43″ x 31″ 109 x 79cm on display. A young woman showed interest in the piece. She explained that she was an artist. She wanted to learn more about the process. I explained the process of creating the piece with the fabric layering technique on a table, creating the scene and then free motion quilting the layers together. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/07/fabric-layering-technique/ Her weird question,Is it was easy to do?
Is that Easy to Do?
Well, anything is easy if one knows how to do it. But it is not easy if one doesn’t know how to sew or quilt. Above all,the free motion quilting technique is the highest level of quilting. It is not done by beginners. Much practice is needed to accomplish mastery. I am not sure exactly how I responded to her weird comment. However, her question stayed with me. I hope my answer advanced her understanding of art quilts in spite of her weird questions, requests and comments.
Another Unusual Request
The month that I moved into my first studio outside of my home in 2016,I received an unusual request. A local gallery was hosting a film festival for a weekend. They needed help with the acoustics. The curator asked if I would hang my quilts on the walls of the gallery during the showing. Furthermore,they insisted I bring just my largest art work. Although I was occupied with the move, I happily hung my largest art quilts.
Is Art Quilting Expensive?
While talking to someone at an art event, they mentioned how expensive art quilting is. The fabric is so expensive. Yes, fabric is expensive. Yet, I disagreed with them since I generally don’t buy fabric. I shared other sources than retail to obtain material. I explained my sources of fabric. My favorite is a local nonprofit gathers high end designer fabrics and makes them available to the public for a donation. Furthermore,my guild has an annual flea market that sells all kinds of material. Fabric is available at yard sales or second hand shops..Sometimes when people find out I use fabric they will gift me fabric. I realise it takes a while to build up a stash of fabric. Yet she seemed open to these ideas. As a public school teacher I definitely did not have a lot of extra funds to spend on gathering store bought fabrics.
Overheard Conversation at an Art Quilters meeting
Fast forward- At a subsequent large gathering for art quilters,I overheard two friends discussing the merits of their new Tesla vehicles. Yes, the meeting took place in Silicon Valley. Still, that conversation caught my attention forcing me to eat my words a bit.
I enjoy meeting and engaging with the public. I listen to them their thoughts and experiences. Their words often stick with me as these did.
A winter storm is hitting the central coast of California on a day I had planned to create new work. Furthermore,I prefer to choose my colors and fabrics when my studio has natural light comes through the ceiling level windows of my studio. I am ready to go but the natural light is not so bright. By all means,make art in a less than perfect situation
In the Shadow of the Mountain, art quilt , 25″ x 20″ 51 x 64 cm
Therefore, I forge ahead. Throwing caution to the wind I begin. I tell myself that I will not finalize anything until the light is brighter. Yet I feel more free to not worry or stress, always a good way to create. This piece is not headed to a museum or even for a show. Just something fun to work on or play with. Be brave. Make art in a less than perfect situation.
The winter storms continued as I gave myself permission to choose colors in a less than perfect situation. In reality things aren’t too bad. I have heat and electricity. I have materials to make art. Motivated? Yes. I am just lacking as much light as I would like. I work in the brightest spot in my studio which happens to be on my ironing board. Throw caution to the wind and choose colors. It might not be what you planned but do your best anyway.
The Cove, 8″ x 8″ 20 x 20 cm
Turn it into a Learning Opportunity.
Most importantly,I notice that some color choices are less forgiving than others. Certain lime greens have to work perfectly with other greens to be included. Certain reds need to play together well also. I could avoid these colors and just play it safe. But what fun would that be? I decide that deep reds will be okay to work with.
On the one hand,some of my favorite pieces are hills with trees. Yet, I had never felt successful doing mountains. This day layers of mountains glide into one another filling the landscape with a variety of bright and muted colors. I don’t work from photographs. To be honest, it took me many years for my inspiration of the mountains surrounding La Quinta, southeast of Palm Springs, California to fall into place. Familar sheers as well Guatemalan woven fabrics filled my comfort zone yet were used in a new way.
Before I knew it I was off, creating layers of mountains criss crossing one another. Continuing to make art in a less than perfect situation propelled me in a new direction. Incorporating sheers for reflecting lights and using my Mayan fabrics in a new way held my interest through several art quilts.
Southwest Mountains, 24′ x 24″ 61 x 61cmShiny Mountain, 24″ x 24″ 61 x 61 cm
Sometimes working in a less than optimal situation is necessary. This forces one to address new ways to solve solutions. Furthermore, it can become a learning experience. Do not wait until the “perfect” situation arises to create art. Create where ever and whenever you are. The best artists remain resilient.
http://www.saqa.com/ Studiio Art Quilt Associates- International art quilters organization
Sea Grass,a new work in progress,uses green,blue and orange, colors that I use often.Nonetheless, this time I decided to do a variation on a theme. Something different but only slightly. I choose a muted tone for these same colors. Because my work is all about Color!Texture! Movement!, decorative threads came on board too.
Getting Started with the New Work in Progress
Choosing fabrics- I start with more fabric than I expect to use.
After I decide on the colors, I find decorative threads that compliment the fabrics. That said,decorative threads may match or contrast with the fabrics.
Decorative threads
Fun threads that might work with the chosen shades of color. In addition,the threads add texture and movement.
Interesting threads in shades of cream to peach to brown add contrast and color.Dark teal fabric with light teal nubby decorative thread
Next, all of the threads are couched(zig zagged) to the fabric. For example, I choose to couch with a matching sewing thread so that the stitches don’t show.
A narrow strip of light green fabric with a 3D dark leafy decorative thread.
This decorative thread is 3D. Above all, it works hard to add contrast, movement and color.
Next I place the fabric with the decorative threads on the design wall.
These next four photos look very similar. However, look closely to the changes. I moved pieces around to balance the colors and details to please the artist’s eye in this new work in progress.
photo 1
In addition,you may notice that I eliminated the brown stripes on the right in the following photo. Similarly,I also removed the dark teal piece in the middle.Removed pieces will be saved for a different project.
photo 2 Sometimes less is more.photo 3This is photo 4
In addition,notice the inclusion of the artist’s signature detail. I sew small pieces of extra fabric together. Then I add them to the piece. As little fabric goes to waste as possible. Plus it adds a little je ne sais quoi to the piece.
photo 4 This photo shows how I sewed together the fabrics in the adjacent area.
By sewing small groups of fabric together first, it allows me flexibility in case I run into a problem. It offers me more chances to add fabric to solve a problem of balancing colors.
Finishing the New Work in Progress
The top is completely sewn together.
I sew curved line piecing to finish the art quilt and add movement to the quilt top. The vertical lines reflect the movement of the details of sea grass.
I finish the edges with a facing turned to the back. Then I hand sew the facing in place. The following photos are close up detail shots of the finished work.
The finished art quilt, Sea Grass. Quilting lines add movement to the quilt top.
Detail Photos
The following photos show details of the completed piece.
Who isn’t entralled with the incredible colorful childrens’ prints available? I chose fabric based on the colors or animals I wanted. However, I never paid much attention to scale. As shoppers we buy these fabrics with great plans in mind. Yet when one gets home, it can be difficult to match the fabric with others due to scale issues. The animals on childrens’ prints are often not the right scale or size to go together. Pay attention to scale.
Color or Animal
The sea theme and colors are the same but the scale is not. So much to keep in mind.Small whales, the largest is 2″ or 5 cm
The above piece of fabric with whales never seems to fit with other materials. The “largest” whale is 2 inches long,much too small. It seems strange that a whale would be considered too small.
It bears repeating that we usually we choose fabrics based on the particular animal or color of the fabric. Last on the list or not there at all is the size or scale of the print. The print artist can choose to make a small animal large or a large animal small. To my brain, it is most pleasing if the animals printed on the fabric have a similar size and scale. There are always exceptions of course depending on the quilt style. For example,place a large print in the middle of the quilt to highlight it. Then add smaller prints on the sides.
I Spy Quilts
I Spy Quilts are generally patchwork quilts using many fabrics printed with different everyday objects on them. The game is named for the guessing game, I Spy. One person says I Spy an item. The other person tries to find it quickly. In a variation one person describes an item as a clue to find it. This game is especially fun for a young child developing their language skills and vocabulary. The purpose of an I Spy quilt may be to engage in child’s play. However, paying attention to the scale of the items will make the quilt more attractive between games.
A Recent Donation
Recently someone gave me large donation of children’s fabric. Big hopes and dreams for loved ones that didn’t get made. Maybe the children grew too fast or changed their interests. Maybe life prevented the sewer from completing the project. Seeing so much charming fabric made me realize the importance of scale. It also made me think of the challenges it presents.
Quilting with children’s prints is fun. Choosing a color range makes for a more pleasing overall effect. The scale of the animal or object is not the most essential part. However,consider scale for more pleasing artistic endevour. Yet,the affect of scale can not be ignored.
Sewing Room Assemblage may just be another name for a mess of sewing room items.I inherited those sewing items that I now wanted to use in my assemblage pieces. Think of assemblage as a three dimensional collage. My mother and mother-in-law were part of the generation that grew up in the Great Depression. They married before World War II. Their families started after the war in the 1950s.
A Generation Expected to Sew
Like many of their generation, sewing skills were expected. Neither my mother or mother -in-law were expert sewists. It has been over twenty years since I acquired all of their sewing supplies. This included special pieces of furniture to store the sewing items as well as numerous threads,needles pins, measuring tapes, thimbles and gadgets. Some of the items are recognizable to the 21st century sewists and some aren’t.
Thread Tray
A New Use for the Thread Tray
A piece of furniture especially made to store sewing items had seen better days. Yet, I kept the wooden tray for thread storage. That piece became the frame for my whimsical piece with thread and small animals that I had been saving. I lined the larger left side with a piece of fiber and added a necklace. The details of buttons lay on a coral felted piece a friend gave me. The most unusual item is the wooden needle case in the middle of the third row. The wooden spools add charm but I couldn’t resist adding some color with some that still had thread.
Spool Wreath
Spool Wreath
I do a lot of sewing. Needless to say I had many empty wooden spools. I generally don’t throw anything away. For several months,I kept my eye out for a way to use these spools. I finally saw a wreath on a door. It inspired me to consider making a wreath with my spools. After much thought, I decided to string the spools on a dowel. I added red wooden beads in between. I had to experiment with the width of the dowel. The 1/4″ .5cm wide dowel was wide enough to fit the hole of the spool and strong enough to stay straight.
Other Parts of the Wreath
Other parts of the wreath used found objects like the clipon metal hanger and the fiber paper plate holder for the base. The burlap bow was reused from a gift I had received. I prefer a minimalist assemblage style for my sewing room pieces.
Mistakes can be Good.
The shorter length rays were a mistake. I used a 1/8″dowel that proved too weak to hold the spools straight. The dowel broke. Instead of throwing the weak dowel out, I choose to shorten the length of the arm. I think it worked. Mistakes can add interest although unplanned. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2018/11/mistakes-that-i-have-not-regretted/
Sew Fun, 8″ x 8″
Sew Fun
This sewing room minimalist assemblage piece,Sew Fun includes some of the more unique sewing items. I started with a wooden grid for design interest.The heart shaped item’s original use was to store pins and large needles. The three dimensional shape has a 1/4″ space between the two hearts for that purpose. The long wooden spool on the bottom originally was covered with thread. An orange packet of needles and an orange pair of scissors adds a needed bit of color.
A Metal Bobbin
I learned to sew on my mom’s Singer sewing machine with metal bobbins. The bobbin is an essential piece holds the bottom thread. That machine is long gone. Yet, I found a metal bobbin with orange thread on it. An orange color scheme was devloping. Some may recognize the small metal threader in the middle. I believe that these are still available for sale. They presumably help people thread small needles although I never mastered that skill. An orange batik ribbon for hanging completes the piece.
Red,White and Black Treasures, 8″ x 8″
Red,White and Black Treasures
The red,white and black treasures of thread were originally part of a small sewing kit my daughter bought in Germany. I lined the box with a thin piece of cork. Another long empty spool from the American Thread Company was added. I included the paper instructions for Muriel’s Yarn Threader price 75 cents. Who doesn’t have a lot of buttons? I created details with two levels of buttons in alternating colors. Black ceramic tiles finished the corners.
Brown European Threads 8″ x 8″
Brown European Threads
For the Brown European Threads Minimalist Assemblage, I used the bottom part of a lidded box. See the little bit of the hinge on the left. I couldn’t remove it so I just left it. I lined the box with a piece of redirected wall paper. There were several more European threads in the brown muted color range. A packet of Boye Needle Company from Chicago takes center stage. This is the type of packet that I saw many times in my youth. This time I placed the double decker buttons on small cream colored tiles.
Blue European Threads 8″ x 6″
Blue European Threads
Another variation of the sewing room minimalist assemblage is Blue European Threads. I used wallpaper for lining. I made double decker buttons with blue, green and yellow that match the European spools of thread. Some matching shiny round objects to offset the spools. Blue and green buttons are placed on blue tiles to accent the corners.
Conclusion
Sewing Room Minimalist Assemblage can take many forms. So take a new look at the items that you have around your home. You don’t have any? Search for unique items at garage sales or second hand stores. You can give a new artful life to the common sewing items from the 20th century.
Foggy Skyline,inspired by the colors of the sky after a rain storm.
The Making of an Abstract Quilt
In this article you will learn about the steps to create an abstract art quilt.
Introduction
Making abstract art quilts touch my soul. The use and cost of redirected upscale fabrics motivate me. I know that am doing something good for the planet. Choosing colors and textures to piece together my art quilts makes my heart sing. Scribble Quilting adds movement to the piece.
The genre of art quilting is a newer art form. I share my process with you by explaining how I create an abstract piece of art. There are many other ways that artists make art quilts. Fusing fabrics, painting on fabrics, dyeing fabrics to use are just a few techniques. The website of international art quilters organization, SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates) is full of resources for those who are interested in learning more. Saqa.com Many times I look at quilts and ask myself how did they do that? I consider myself an advanced quilter. However, variations abound. The sky is the limit.
Topics Covered:
Use of a Design Wall
Where to Find Inspiration
Choosing Materials
Creating Details
Thinking ahead towards Quilting
Beginning Piecing
Sewing the Top Together
Quilting the Top
Use of a Design Wall
A design wall is essential for this type of art project. One wall in my studio is covered with a large white piece of flannel fabric. The pieces of fabric adhere to the flannel. I begin by randomly placing pieces of fabric on my design wall. Then I move them around to see where I want them to be. Sometimes I haven’t settled on where I want them to be until I start sewing the pieces together. Once sewing begins, pinning the pieces to the flannel may be necessary to help them adhere to the flannel as the weight of the piece increases. There are other possible types of design wall that my better suit your needs. Maybe you need a portable setup or other type of special need. I prefer to keep things on the simple side. A large flannel piece of fabric works for me.
Where to find Inspiration
Inspiration for colors or designs can come from anywhere. Many artists keep a notebook to write down or sketch interesting things that they see in their daily life or travels. Inspiration often come from nature. Colors of the desert, a bird or the color of the sky at sunset or after a storm can inspire me. Actually, inspiration can come from anywhere and anything, a building a floor, a pet. It is the spark that catches the artist’s attention. The finished art project does not necessarily match something at all. Guessing an artist’s inspiration is not easy especially for an abstract piece. The point is to be inspired to create.
Splendid Fairy Wren
A friend who loves birds posted a photo of an Australian fairy wren. The blues and purples were incredible. I ended up making two abstract art quilts using those colors.
Splendid Fairy Wren, abstract art quilt,30″h x 35″wAmerican Democracy,2019, a black and blue abstract art quilt,28″h x 27″w
Inspiration can come in the strangest of places. Once scraps of fabric I had randomly tossed in a pile caught my attention. The lime green, white and grey worked well together. I decided that I had to use them for a future project. Here is the subsequent quilt I made using this modern color palette inspired by a random pile of fabrics.
Because art quilts don’t need to be washed, a variety of textures and materials can be used. I started sewing clothes in junior high and high school. I would choose colors that would go well with my skin and hair tones. When I started making bed quilts, the focus was on the design on the fabric that would go with a room décor. One hundred percent cotton is necessary for ease of washing of bed quilts. Art quilts expanded my world. A variety of fabrics and textures opened up. I freed myself from the bonds of what matched a room or looked good on me. Following patterns went out the window. True Liberation !!
Consider the Style
Sometimes I begin with a piece of fabric or material that I would like to use. Often it is one that I have had for a while that I think I should use up. I consider the style of the fabric, is it a thick, rustic material or a shiny,synthetic fabric? What would it bring to the piece? Does it fit the mood that I am creating? Fabrics with colors that might not complement the piece have been eliminated because their style doesn’t match the intented style outcome. These are subtle decisions that the artist makes.
The Gathering of Materials
Generally I gather my materials without any idea of what I will use them for. If I am honest with myself, I think this comes from my being a bit overwhelmed from seeing so much fabric in a fabric store. I have to have an well defined idea of what I want or need before I go into a store. Otherwise, it is difficult for me to make a choice. Matching colors or styles is difficult without actual items in front of me. It feels easier for me to decide if I like something or not in the moment. At a later date, I can see how the material goes with other items that I have. Maybe this is part of being a visual learner.
FABMO and Other Places
I obtain my fabrics mostly from a nonprofit, FABMO.org that obtains fabric and materials from the San Francisco Design Center. I find high end new decorator samples and more. Furthermore, I get fabric from my local guild’s Bargain Garden, flea market. I learned a long time ago that shades of colors go in and out of fashion. Forest green is a family favorite. But if it is out of style it is impossible to buy. A quilter’s stash or collection of fabrics reduces the need to purchase a particular fabric in the middle of a project.
Creating Details
In the past few years, I have begun to add more three dimensional details to my work. Quite a few years ago, at the Pacific International Quilt Festival, I saw a quilt that had a big pile of yarn sewn on the top. In my opinion, it was a mess. I didn’t like the effect. However, it did inspire me to add yarn or decorative threads to my art quilts. My choice is decorative threads that would lie flat. I began to couch(zigzag) decorative threads to create contrasting details for my art quilts. Surprisingly, the decorative threads has since become one of my favorite techniques.
Using my chosen colors, I think about the items that I want to make to add texture or interest. Sometimes a particular found object, like a piece of jewelry guides my decision to incorporate it into the piece. Which techniques do I have in my toolbox? I can couch yarn to create straight lines, parallel lines, curvy lines. I can make tucks to add texture. What materials do I have that would work? What does the detail bring to the piece? Sometimes it is necessary to save a detail for another project for some reason. The style or effect just isn’t what I want for this art quilt that I am working on.
Thinking ahead towards Quilting
My usual method of creating an art quilt is to start without much consideration of the next steps like how I will quilt the piece. However,sometimes it is necessary to consider the whole process and the order that I need to follow to complete the art. When would it be best to add the detail? Can I quilt over it? Or will I need to wait until after quilting is completed to add hand sew it on? With ATLAS in Rose, I wanted to highlight the oval pink and white beaded necklace in the middle of the quilt. Yet, I would have to sew it on after the quilting was completed. Quilting over beads wrecks the beads and could possibly damage needles and my machine.
work on design wall,ATLAS in RoseATLAS in Rose, 32″ x 32″ finished art quilt
Serendipity Happens
The patterns of stripes and circles happened rather serendipitously. Some quilters would say, I wanted to make a stripes and circle quilt. That is not the way I usually work. Yet, as I looked at my black and white fabrics, I saw the oversized circles contrasted well with the stripes and checked fabric. The stripes and circles created the movement I wanted. I mirrored them by couching decorative threads to create my own form of stripes. Hand sewn repurposed white buttons added more circles to the beaded necklace, front and center upon completion.
Back to the Design Wall
The work that happens on the design wall is in many ways is the most important part of the project. My main purpose is to make sure that the colors and fabric pieces are well balanced on the wall. It is not too late to eliminate items that would work better in another piece. Often I begin by placing the most eye catching pieces on the design wall first. They need to be placed in various spots across the piece and not all in one area. Balance is a crucial part. Then I continue with other important standouts. Only then will I continue adding with other pieces of fabric. I make sure there are places to rest one’s eyes. Plain fabric balances out wild details.
Sewing the Top Together
I begin sewing once the main pieces are in place. I make sure that pieces of fabric are larger than I expect the finished piece to be. One can always cut away fabric but it is harder to add fabric. That said, one thing I love about creating abstract art quilts is that there is less matching of seams and more flexibility if you need to add a different fabric than in traditional quilting.
Start Small
In general, I start by sewing smaller pieces together. I will sew together several pieces from one area. Then I will do the same in another part of the quilt. I have learned the hard way that I should not completely sew all of the pieces in one area together. More flexibility for fabric additions is allowed by rotating the spots I sew together. Then I wait until the very end to sew all of the pieces together. In that way if I need to add more fabric to a spot, it is easy. I prefer to not rip out seams if at all necessary. This is another advantage to creating art quilts. If something doesn’t work or I want to change it, I just cut it off instead of spending time ripping out seams.
Foggy Skyline,inspired by the colors of the sky after a rain storm.16″ x 16″
New Eyes
Critically seeing eyes are necessary. I mean critical in the sense of seeing what works well and what doesn’t work well. Only the artist can make that decision. Our eyes can miss what is directly in front of us. Sometimes taking a break or even returning the following day is what we need to see clearly. In other words, so that you will look at a piece with fresh eyes. This is so important. After some time has passed, I often see immediately what needs to be changed to improve the art quilt.
The design wall also allows the artist to step back at look at a piece from a distance. Close up views and distant views differ. Ideally, a piece will work for both distances although probably in different ways.
Other Considerations
When I begin to sew the pieces together, I want as much flexibility to change their places as possible. Therefore, I begin by sewing small pieces together in one area, the upper right hand side. Then I do the same in another spot, say the lower right hand side. This allows me to move pieces or add pieces if I need to. Of course, when sewing pieces together the project becomes smaller. If a finished piece needs to be a particular size, mark the design wall with pins or yarn to help you be aware of the desired size.
Focal point design details should probably not be placed directly on the edge. I learned the hard way that when they may be trimmed off at the end when squaring up the finished quilt. Another thing I try to avoid is having heavier fabrics directly on the edge. I like to finish my quilts with a facing sewn to the front and turned to the back to be hand sewn down. Thicker fabrics made the turning more difficult. Even sheet fabric with a high thread count is hard on the fingers when hand sewing.
green yellow bits on design wall, a work in progressfinished top Sunset Through Forest 34″ x 34″ after quilting
When the top is finished. It is time to make the quilt sandwich. The quilt sandwich is made up of the three layers, the top, the batting and the back fabric. They need to be laid flat and taut and pinned or basted together.
Finishing with Quilting
In general,I don’t think about which technique I will use to quilt a piece until the top is finished. Sometimes I regret this lack of planning. For me, the quilting must add movement. I have to decide how much more visual action this quilt needs. Is there a lot of movement already in the piece? Will quilting add more interest? Maybe a less visible stitch in the ditch technique is what the piece needs. Only the artist can make these personal decisions.
I have settled on three styles of quilting that work for me. Stitch in the Ditch is quilting inside seam lines. Scribble quilting that I named is quilting by moving the quilt line from one side of the piece to the other side. Doing this repeatedly creates wavy lines that may cross over one another. I use the free motion quilting technique to quilt my fabric landscape or seascape collages. Those with access to a computerized long art have lots of other options to choose from.
In Conclusion
The genre of art quilting is a newer art form. I share my process with you as a way of explaining how I create an abstract piece of art. This article advances the understanding of the decisions that need to be made while creating an abstract art quilt. Hopefully, inspiration for the art quilter follows or the collector will gain some perspective on how this artist works.
Suggestions for Newer Art Quilters
If you are looking to advance your art quilt techniques, these are my suggestions.
Take a class in some technique that excites you.
Join a guild or group to learn from.
Visit quilt shows and museums to view art with a critical eye.
Practice, practice, practice your skills.
In Responce
Gentle Readers, since this post, How to Create an Abstract Art Quilt was published it is by far the most read of all of my posts. Just wondering if you found this info helpful or not so much.
Read More.
You may find out more about how I create texture and movement in my abstract art quilts at these links.
I am honored to be the first Featured Fiber Artist at the Santa Cruz Art League’s (SCAL)virtual interviews. This posting represents my memory of the interview as well as combined with the notes I made beforehand. Val Miranda, executive director of the Santa Cruz Art League narrated . During a technical glitch, I lost sound. Val engaged with the audience at that time.
Featured Fiber Artist
Let Us Breathe, Ann Baldwin May
First Featured Fiber Artist
Val Miranda: Ann Baldwin May,art quilter As Execuive Director of the Santa Cruz Art League I am pleased to have you as our first Featured Fiber Artist.please inroduce yourself. How did you come to art?
Ann: Thank you, Val. I am very honored to be the first Featured Fiber Artist at the Santa Cruz Art League.My sewing career reaches back to high school where I took 2 years of sewing. The focus was on clothes construction. In the 1970s I started quilting. My focus was bed quilts.
Exploring other Avenues of Creative Expression
Around 2008-09, I began exploring other avenues of creative expression. So I moved towards art quilts. I took a class on fabric layering from Meri Vahl. During this time I created several large art quilts combining my love of Mexican folk dance with my quilting. These 3D colorful skirts and costumes stand out as Mexican outfits.
My First Juried Art Show
In 2010, I entered my first juried art show. It was the Pajaros show in Watsonville in conjuction with the Birding Conference put on by the Pajaro Valley Arts Council. My work was included on the brochere. The following year, Great Blue Heron at Dusk won an award at another show. So I was encouraged to continue.
In 2016, I opened my studio at the Santa Cruz Art Center downtown,Then I applied to Open Studios for the first time. So for Open Studios and First Fridays, I take over the lobby and fill it with my art.
I am all about Color! Texture! and Movement! I make Nature art quilts; like underwater fantasies, trees and landscapes. Abstract and Mexican inspired fabric collages.
Traditional Quilts versus Art Quilts
Val- Can you tell us a little bit about the difference between traditional quilts and art quilts?
Ann-Most people are familiar with bed quilts. A quilt is made up of three layers sewn together; the back , the batting inside and the top. Being able to wash a quilts is foremost for a bed quilt. 100% cotton is always used for washability and durability.
An art quilt often uses tradional quilting techniques to make wall art. When one is not concerned with washing a quilt, a wider range of fabrics can be used. There is also a wide variety of art quilters and the techniques they use. Many art quilters do not have experience with making bed quilts or even sewing. Some dye their fabrics, paint on their fabrics or print their own designs on fabrics. I don’t do any of those techniques.
FABMO offers an Incredible Variety of Materials
For me there is such an incredible variety of printed fabrics and materials.I choose to use those to create my art. I am a big fan of FABMO, the non profit now based in Sunnyvale. Volunteers go weekly to the San Francisco Design Center. They collect all kinds of materials to keep them out of the landfill. They make these materials available to the public for a donation. PreCOVID they were coming to Santa Cruz about 5 times a year to Harvey West Park. They are having several selection days in Sunnyvale. But I haven’t been to their new location. sign up for their newsletter at https://www.fabmo.org/
Other Local Featured Fiber Artists
Val- That is interesting that art quilters use such a variety of materials. Are you familiar with Consuelo Underwood’s work at teacher at San Jose Statet University. I know her work to be very engaging.
Ann- No, I don’t know her. I wanted to give a shout out to Susan Else. She lives in Santa Cruz. She creates 3D figures out of fabric often with whimiscal themes. More recently she has been adding electricity and lights to her pieces. One of her pieces is of a merry go round with the animals riding the people.
The Piece in the Member Show
Val- Could you tell us a little bit about the piece that you have currently in the Member Show?
Ann- My piece in the Member Show is Let Us Breathe! Physically the art quilt is in Minneapolis. Digitally it is in the Art League show. Several weird random events happened concerning this art quilt.It’s all good.
The Murder of George Floyd
Around Memorial Day when we all witnessed the murder of George Floyd, I was horrified. as many others.The artist buzz on the internet questioned how this would affect one’s art. At first I was too stunned to do anything. Later I thought about what I could create within my own style to address the issue of racial injustice.
So I made an abstract type of art quilt for the background, incorporating African designs to support my view. Then I created a cutout silouette of man and a woman. I dressed them in African fabrics. I made red white and blue hearts to place on their chests. My thoughts were for them honoring thier cultural roots. Including their love for America while America was not returning their love.
A Call for Entry
Then I saw a call for entry from Dr. Carolyn Mazlotti who I had heard speak at a conference before. The call was for Rascism:In the Face of Hate We Resist. I hesitated applying. My thoughts were that this was a moment for black artists to shine. Then I thought of the saying, White Silence Eguals Violence. So I decided to enter the show to show my support for the BLM.To my surprise and joy,my piece was accepted.
I was instructed to send my art immediately to Ohio where Dr.Mazlotti lives.As you can imagine Dr.Mazlotti worked quickly to organize this show. She explained that there would be 7 venues and that she was writing a book about the shows. However, when I sent my quilt off, I had no knowledge of where the venues would be.
The Fires Began
Then the lightening stuck and the fires began. I live near UCSC. So when UCSC was evaculated I was extremely worried that we would be next. When my friend from Watsonville offered me a room in her house, I jumped at the opportunity.I ended up staying there for 4 days. After the second lightening storm passed over SC, I returned home.
A Bit of Disorientation
Luckily, everything at home was fine. However the whole experience was disorienting. It was during that first disoriented week back that I heard from Heidi, a friend from high school who lived in Minneapolis. Her text included a photo of my art quilt. She said that it was in a Swedish magazine.What? I was totally confused. I had no idea how these very different parts of my life had come together. Heidi graciously sent me the newsletter. The random pieces began to fall into place.
Announcement in Posten,the newsletter of the American Swedish Institute.
The First Venue for the BLM Show
The Swedish American Institute in Minneapolis is the first venue for the show. The title of the show morphed into We are the Story. The newsletter chose my art for their article promoting the show. My name was printed prominently. If it hadn’t been, Heidi would not have known that it was my art.
I also learned that Heidi is half Swedish and formerly worked at the institute. Therefore , she was on their mailing list. The number of random events really surprised me. Without one of them, I wouldn’t have learned about any of it. Finally, all of the different parts of my life came together to make sense.
My Process
My process changes depending on which portfolio I decide to make.My nature quilts are the most popular with the public, landscapes, underwater fantasies and trees. I use a table to create these works of art.
Nature Quilts
I lay a piece of backing fabic on a table. Then I cover it with batting, the soft material that goes inside of a quilt. Then on top I create a scene. When I am finished, I cover the scene with tulle netting. I free motion quilt the three layers together. Free motion quilting involves lowering the feed dogs on the machine. This lets the sewer control the movement of the quilt.
Abstract Pieces are made on a Design Wall
green yellow bits on design wall, an abstract piece in the making
My abstract pieces are made on a design wall . I use a huge piece of flannel covering the wall. Fabric adheres to the flannel. I choose 3-4 colors that I want to use. Then I search for the complimentary hues, the light and darker shades of that color. I look for decorative threads or details in that color wave to include to add texture.
Sometimes I couch or zigzag yarns to create fabric that I cut apart to use. Then I put them up rather randomly on the design wall. I balance the fabrics or details that stand out more. Sometimes I choose to do curved line piecing to create movement. I begin sewing pieces together. I keep checking that the piece is balanced for color and texture.
Mexican Inspired Collages or Art Quilts
Mexican inspired collages or art quilts start with me choosing the fabrics that go together or that I want to use. I gather my materials with no plan in mind. So I consider color and what I want to use. I often have to work backwards. Finishing the plain top and then adding 3D objects or found objects.
But sometimes I need to plan where the objects will be placed. I have to wait until after quilting the top to add the 3D found objects. Quilting over thick or hard objects creates problems for the sewing machine. If I add a bright ribbon, I then it can be added while quilting so I don’t duplicate sewing. So lots of forethought goes into these pieces.
Market Day
I have written detailed step by step instructions on these processes on my webstite if anyone is interested.
Val-What do have in store for the future? This is the answer I should have given.
About a year ago , I took Janet Siverglate’s class in assemblage. I have been mulling ideas around since then. I have a piece just about finished using wooden sewing spools and some whimsical items.
Val- I have only been at the Art League for four years now. I am aware that they was a Fiber Show a few years back. Maybe that is something that we can consider doing again in the future.
First of all,We Are the Story represents Black Lives Matter and Art. For example,this is a multi-site initiative of quilt exhibitions. Above all,Dr.Carolyn Mazloomi worked tirelessly to curate these shows. Furthermore,much thanks to the Textile Center & Women of Color Quilters Network for their ongoing support.
Black Lives Matter and Art
Barbara Eady, “Black Lives Matter” – WCQN exhibit “We Who Believe in Freedom”
September 2, 2020 update from the Textile Center of Minneapolis, MN.
First,Textile Center and Women of Color Quilters Network (WCQN) announced extending the schedule for We Are the Story. To clarify, this seven quilt exhibitions is curated by Carolyn Mazloomi, September 10, 2020 through June 12, 2021.
We are the Story, art quilt show venues.
Group and Solo Exhibitions
Above all,group and solo exhibitions build upon symbols of liberation, resistance and empowerment.Similarly,they offer visually compelling accounts of the experiences and struggles of Black history.
During this year,Minneapolis became the epicenter of the nationwide protest movement against police brutality in America following the murder of George Floyd.The Textile Center and Women of Color Quilters Network (WCQN)joined forces to create We Are the Story, a multi-venue initiative in the Twin Cities, September 10, 2020, through June 12, 2021.
Dr.Carolyn Mazloomi, a member of Textile Center’s National Artist Advisory Council is the curator. Previously,she founded the Women of Color Quilters Network. After that,We Are the Story opened in September with exhibitions at Textile Center and the American Swedish Institute.
We are the Story
Due to challenges related to the pandemic, Textile Center extended the timeline for We Are the Story into June 2021. That is to say this will ensure that the quilts can be seen in person by as many people as possible. Furthermore,the exhibition will coincide with the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
Two Juried Exhibitions
To clarify,Gone but Never Forgotten: Remembering Those Lost to Police Brutality and Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resist serve as a centerpiece for We Are the Story. Likewise, given the urgency of these issues in America, quilters from around the nation worked quickly. For instance,the calls were open in mid-June to all artists regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, race, religion, creed, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity in mid-June. In short,four hundred and twenty three quilts were submitted by the July 31 deadline. Mazloomi selected 89 quilts for the two exhibitions.
Dr.Carolyn Mazloomi
The First Venue
As part of We Are the Story, the American Swedish Institute presented the Minnesota premiere of Women of Color Quilt Network’s We Who Believe in Freedom. From September 10 through November 1, 2020. In addition,to honor the 55th anniversary of the Freedom Riders, We Who Believe in Freedom represents works by members of Women of Color Quilt Network.
We Are the Story also includes four solo exhibitions.
First, I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free Quilts by Dorothy Burge, Chicago, IL presented at Textile Center SacredInvocations Quilts by Sylvia Hernandez, Brooklyn, NY The Protest Series Quilts by Penny Mateer, Pittsburgh, PA Freedom Rising: I Am the Story Quilts by L’Merchie Frazier, Boston, MA.
Organizations taking part include
1.The University of Minnesota’s Weisman Art Museum, Division of Indian Work in South Minneapolis
2.The University of Minnesota’s Robert J. Jones Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center in North Minneapolis
3. Homewood Studios in North Minneapolis, Studio 106 in Burnsville
4.St. Catherine University’s Apparel, Merchandising and Design Gallery.
A series of Zoom Talks
In addition, a series of Zoom talks happened.They included We Are the Story: Let’s Talk about Race presented by Textile Center, Women of Color Quilt Network and Friends. Furthermore,these Zoom presentations focused on issues of police brutality, racism, and inequities in America. Clearly in support of Black Lives Matter. Lastly,they will also introduce the more than 100 quilters featured in these exhibitions. The Zoom talks will be open to the public.
WE ARE THE STORY CALENDAR OF SCHEDULED EXHIBITIONS
Textile Center, Joan Mondale Gallery September 15 – December 24, 2020
To be clear,Gone but Never Forgotten: Remembering Those Lost to Police Brutality is a national juried exhibition.For example,it showcases 26 quilts that honor those whose lives were violently. On the other hand,it critiques the targeting and criminalization of Black bodies throughout history.
Textile Center, Joan Mondale Gallery, Mary Giles Gallery, Community Gallery March 26 – June 12, 2021
Clearly,this international juried exhibition, Racism: In the Face of Hate We Resistbuilds on these narratives. For example by featuring 63 quilts they share the stories of resistance and fortitude. To be clear these stories aret integral to the survival of Black people in America. During this time, quilts from the other We Are the Story exhibitions are to be exhibited.Clearly a community-wide outreach initiative will provide an opportunity for our community to have one last comprehensive viewing.It is planned as our community observes the first anniversary of George Floyd’s death.
We Who Believe in Freedom Quilts by members of WCQN
American Swedish Institute, Osher Gallery September 10 – November 1, 2020
We Who Believe in Freedom presented in 2016 to honor the 55th anniversary of the Freedom Riders. For example,it represents works by members of WCQN that tell the story of the African American experience.
I Wish I Knew How it Feels to be Free Quilts by Dorothy Burge, Chicago, IL
Textile Center, Community Gallery September 29 –December 24, 2020
Similarly,Dorothy Burge, a member of WCQN, is a multimedia artist and community activist. To be clear,she is inspired by both historic and current social justice issues. For example,she is one of the strongest voices in Chicago for police accountability and reparations for survivors of police torture. Dorothy will be a featured guest in our Zoom Let’s Talk About Race conversations.
We Are the Story Quilts by Penny Mateer, Pittsburgh, PA
Weisman Art Museum October 15 – March 14, 2021
Likewise,Penny Mateer is an artist/activist who works with textiles and recycled materials. Clearly,quilting and embroidery take center stage in her work. Consistently she draws from this rich history of creating functional objects that provide warmth and comfort. Moreover,fabric is her primary material to establish a shared experience. After that,discussion sparks around current events. In addition,her social practice centers on a community-made public art project to promote voting.
Freedom Rising: I Am the Story Quilts by L’Merchie Frazier, Boston, MA
Clearly,L’Merchie Frazier is a public fiber artist, quilter, historian, innovator, poet and holographer. Furthermore,she has served the artistic community nationally and internationallyfor more than 25 years.In addition,she has had visual and performance art residencies in Boston, Brazil, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Africa, France, and Cuba. In other words,her social justice artistic work activates youth. Above all,her work with adults involves a model that levels the playing field.
Sacred Invocations Quilts by Sylvia Hernandez, Brooklyn, NY
Lastly,Sylvia Hernandez is a celebrated and self-taught master quilter. She creates timeless, handcrafted works that address community and human right issues. Sylvia is currently the president of the Quilters of Color Network of NYC, co-president of the Brooklyn Quilters Guild. Currently a member of the WCQN,she teaches at El Puente Academy of Peace and Justice. She has worked with AgitArte in Puerto Rico.
Be ready to present your Laser Statement to the world.
Being ready with a short laser statement about one’s passion or business is essential. By definition, random encounters can happen anyway and anytime. Such positive interactions keep life interesting. For many they can be a way to interact with the public in a new way.
A laser statement is a necessity for artists or others to quickly explain to a novice what they do. Art quilts are still a new art form that many are not familiar with. Each conversation is an opportunity to share and educate. I didn’t expect a conversation about fabric to occur while accessing tech support. But I was ready with a laser statement when that happened.
Anxiety
Calling the tech support is always caused anxiety for me. This is mainly because I am not very techie. I do maintain my own website. However, I am not always unsure of the words that describe what I do. Knowledge of the vocabulary aids communication about an issue. That is what I lacked.
But I learned through use. I actually feel better now that I understand what certain words (browser, domain name,modem) mean. I have learned a bit more about what they are talking about. In their defense, tech support is always polite and patient.
Lost in space, the way I feel when I call tech support.
Caught Off Guard
Coming from a position of anxiety, these conversations caught me off guard. Yet they left me pleasantly surprised. After my questions had been answered, the tech support engaged me in a conversation about my work. I am always ready to share my passion for fabric art. It paid off to be ready to present my laser statement to the world.
This first conversation began when the male support person mentioned that he sewed costumes. He had several questions about making them. He made the costumes for ComicCon which sounded appropriate for his age. We talked fabric. I mentioned that the shiny fabrics that the costumes were made out of were the most difficult fabrics to work with. I said that 100% cotton is the easiest to work with. He caught on quickly and said, ” I should start with cotton, then, to develop my skills.” I agreed. He appreciated my willingness to share my knowledge freely with him. I thoroughly enjoyed this unlikely conversation.
Rogue Wave, an abstract art quilt, a fav of one of my random encounters
Art Afficionatos are Everywhere
Another conversation took place when the male tech support person asked me what an art quilt was. I was ready to present my laser statement to the world. I explained simply that an art quilt uses traditional quilting techniques to make wall art. He shared that he was very interested in art and loved spending time in art galleries.
I often refer people to my website. But it stuck me as funny to say “Take a look at my website.” Because we had literally just been working on it. It is fun to share my work especially to the uninitiated. He was pleasantly surprised at what he saw. Feedback about his favorites was appreciated.
His favorite of my abstract pieces especially Rogue Wave convinced me that he was a true art fan. Hopefully, the art quilt world has a new convert. Maybe in the future he will be open to search out more art quilts and fiber art shows. There is much power in being ready to present your laser statement to the world.
Ann Baldwin May presented Four Important Skills to Forge Your Own Art Path as a Zoom talk at a NorCal/Southern Nevada Regional Meeting of the International Art quilters organization,SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates).
American Democracy,2019 27″ w x 28″h
Introduction
There are many paths forward to become a quilt artist. Ann reinvented herself in retirement. Her art friends call her resilient, a prolific artist and a master at social media.
Forge Your Own Art Path
Part of SAQA(Studio Art Quilt Associates)’s mission statement is to encourage art quilters to move their art forward and out into the world. Forging our own way can be exhilarating and frightening at the same time. What qualities does one need to forge their own path forward? I suggest that one needs these qualities. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/04/making-your-own-luck/
Four Important Skills
Persistence- Just keeps trying! Resilience- Do not take things personally. Bounce by from your disappointments. Confidence -Believe in yourself. Accept Your Uniqueness. Bravery-Put yourself out there! Never miss an opportunity to show your work!
Today I would like to share a few stories that focus on these four important skills. First, I would like to say that I am a big believer in baby steps. We need to be brave but you can be brave on your own timeline. I am not an early adopter of new things. When I started out, I found using this phrase helpful as a conversation starter. Hi, I am shamelessly promoting my work .
Under the Shady Tree 27″ x 38″
Starting my Art Path
Back in 2010, I turned 60. I decided to give myself the gift of showing my art. I went to talk to the owner of a local leading gallery, the R. Blitzer Gallery. I asked how I could show my work there. Robert Blitzer, the owner is a very personable guy. He mentioned a local group show that was going to be hung soon. He gave the name of a fairly famous artist who was curating the show. I called her up and spoke with her. She asked me to send her some photos of my work. I sent her the photos. But I didn’t hear back from her.
Persistence, to Forge Your Own Art Path
At the First Friday reception, I approached the curator and introduced myself. She gasped and said, “I never got back to you. I wanted to include your work.” Awkward moment for both of us. She turned and disappeared in the crowd. I took that as a yes. The reception for First Fridays Art Walk is usually the busiest time. Then the rest of the month the show is still up, there are less visitors. This didn’t matter to me.
I returned the next day and explained the situation to Rob Blitzer. He called the curator . It was decided that he would find a space for me. He found a funky wall in the back but it was fine for me. I could put it on my resume. It was a talking point for me. My birthday present to myself was complete. Being persistent is an important skill to forge your own art path.
A Call for Entry
Several years later, I saw a call for entry for Monterey Peninsula College Art Gallery for a solo show. My application presented my Mexican inspired art quilts. I was not accepted. As a newbie, I assumed it was my fault. My work wasn’t satisfactory.
Market Day
Bravery,to Forge Your Own Art Path
About a year later,I was accepted in to a show in Santa Cruz Art League. Melissa Pickford ,the director of the Monterey Peninsula College Art Gallery was the curator. At the reception, I was trying to get enough nerve to introduce myself to her. The line to speak to her was long. Finally, after she had spoken to everyone in line, I introduced myself. Ms. Pickford recognized my name immediately! She remembered and praised the work that I had submitted.
Who Knew the Rule?
As the director, she apologized because the college has a rule that only work can be shown in the gallery if the college offers classes in that mediam. Evidently, they do have not textile department. Who knew? Be reticent and brave. What if I hadn’t been brave enough to introduce myself? I never would have learned that wonderful gem of truth, a true confidence builder. Bravery is an important skill to forge your own art path.
Resilience,to Forge Your Own Art Path
About that same time I attended my first SAQA conference. Leni Levenson Wiener gave a talk on how shows are curated. The curator has a huge job of deciding which pieces fit into her vision of the show. Choosing the art is difficult. Many pieces are not accepted for reasons that are totally out of the artist’s control.The takeaway point was that if an artist is not accepted it doesn’t mean their art is not good.
Say- Not Accepted Not, Rejected
It means that it didn’t fit in some way with the rest of the work in the show. It was emphasized that we should say that our work was not accepted for a show, rather than say it was rejected. Another gem from a SAQA conference-Maria Shell says you will not be accepted 100% of the time. Maria Shell says 30% acceptance to shows is doing well. Resilience is an important skill to forge your own art path.
Never Miss an Opportunity to Show your Work.
Funny story- I was asked to show my art quilts at a film festival taking play in a local gallery. They were having trouble with the acoustics. They wanted me to show my largest pieces of work to help with the sound. Because I had kept in touch through a monthly newsletter, the director was able to contact me quickly. I stepped up to the plate. I wish I could say I sold something but I can’t.
Confidence,to Forge Your Own Art Path
I would like to share a story that I think of often. We push ourselves to create events and shows. We publicize them and invite everyone we know. Yet sometimes the turnout is low. You may know Brian Cranston from Breaking Bad. He owns a movie theatre near Palm Springs. My husband is from that area and spends a lot of time there.
Brian was fairly famous at the time. He organized an event at the theatre. No one came. My husband was able to have a long conversation with him. These things happen to the best of us; even famous people can have a slow night. Be confident and continue on.
Persistence,to Forge Your Own Art Path
I would like to share with you my latest new friend. We met in Zumba she is in her early 80s. She recently remarried. She paints and yet has no digital foot print. But she goes to restaurants and asks if she can hang her paintings there. And she has been selling them. She is persistent in her unique path forward. Persistence is an important skill to forge your own art path.
In closing,I would like to remind you to say positive things to yourself. Hang compliments on the back wall of your mind . Refer to them often. I would like to end with a favorite quote of mine. In the words of the song,The Middle by Jimmy Eat World
“Just do your best , everything you choose and Don’t you worry what the bitter hearts might say.”
Finally,I hope that these experiences inspire you to develop the qualities of persistence,resilience, confidence and bravery . With these four qualities you can forge your own art path and get your work out into the world. Thank you.
Not too long ago,I participated in an art and physics collaboration. As a result I created this green, yellow and black art quilt,ATLAS at CERN based on the colors from CERN. Inspired by this abstract piece I wanted to attempt something similar in a different color wave. So I choose to use the colors of black, white and rose for my next scientifically inspired art quilt.
A Scientifically Inspired Art Quilt
ATLAS at CERN, scientifically inspired art quilt
Creating Details
First, I go through my materials to find the appropriate colors of fabrics and items for the color wave I have chosen for my scientifically inspired art quilt.
Next, I think what I want to make to add texture or interest. This is when I begin to think about the whole quilting process and the order that I need to follow. I knew that I wanted to use a beaded necklace with a bit of pink. But I would have to wait until the quilt top was completed to actually sew it in place. Otherwise quilting the top would be a problem; the beads wouldn’t go through my machine. Moreover, I didn’t want to wreck the beads in the process. Hand sewing of the necklace would have to wait until the whole piece was sewn together. Yet, I would still have to keep the location of the necklace in mind as I worked.
Other Details
Continuing with other details,I found a repurposed zipper in just the right color. I created a starburst mirroring the actual scientific view after the splitting of atoms. Then, I chose rose colored embroidery threads to couch (zigzagg) with matching colored thread. I also couched several different decorative threads and a piece of stretchy webbing onto black pieces of fabric to create a pleasant contrast. A running stitch of rose colored embroidery threads through black fabric was also made. Lastly, I created a black 3D fabric flower to adorn a rose colored piece of fabric.
ATLAS in Rose selecting fabrics
A Scientifically Inspired Art Quilt On the Design Wall
I like to choose fabrics with movement. It was serenditious to find so many black and white fabrics with circles and dots that lent themselves well to ascientifically inspired art quilt. These would go well with the oval placement in the center of the beaded necklace. The black and white stripes contrasted geometrically. I created further stripes by couching black decorative threads and black ribbon on white fabric. I used black sewing thread for low or no contrast.
ATLAS in Rose, work on design wall
The Finished Top
ATLAS in Rose , finished art quilt
Here is the completed scientifically inspired art quilt. Handsewn repurposed white buttons added interest to the beaded necklace, front and center upon completion.
You may find out more about how I create my abstract art quilts at these links.
Above all,a memory quilt is a quilt made out of a person’s clothing as a way of honoring their memory. After seeing my art work, a client contacted me to make an art quilt as a way to keep the memory of her grandmother alive.For example,follow as I show the step by step the process of making a memory quilt of the client’s grandmother’s clothes and articles.
At our First Meeting
At our first meeting, the woman shared information about her grandmother’s life that she especially wanted to be included in the memory quilt. In addition,she brought artifacts to illustrate her life. The artifacts included buttons, artificial flowers, a paper card notice, lace and several dresses and clothing . Together step by step, we decided on the colors. We both agreed on the pink, green, and blue palette. I was able to use some dark blue from the orange and blue housedress.
Personal details
Furthermore,the wide range of details, artificial flowers, momentos, jewelry,clothing gave me a lot to choose from. Subsequently,I was also able to include buttons, lace from hems and the safety pins that had been hidden inside the clothing. Luckily, the client said that she would trust my artistic choices to arrange or eliminate as necessary. After that the work on the Memory Quilt-step by step began.
Step 1. Choosing fabrics and details for a memory quiltStep 2. dresses for a memory quiltStep 3. Earrings add a very personal touch.
To Begin-Memory Quilt-Step by Step
First I cut out parts of the fabric from the dresses. Based on my experience and the approximate size of the finished piece, I knew that I didn’t need to take apart all of the seams. In other words, there would be plenty of fabric. Therefore, I cut pieces of about 10” -20” square. I heat fused interfacing on to the back of the polyester to reduce stretching and to aide sewing. Then I was able to cut out a variety of interesting geometric shapes in dark navy blue from an eliminated orange dress. Finally,I noticed that the back side of the fabric was a lovely medium blue so I decided to use both sides of the fabric. The pieces were smaller about 3” each.
Using the Design Wall to create the Memory Quilt-step by step
Using the design wall, I pinned the fabric up to begin to try out fabrics for work in progress of the memory quilt.
Trying out fabrics for a memory quilt on the design wall
I created this accent from zippers I took out of the clothes. The safety pins are decorative. Be brave and use interesting objects that one might not usually think of using for a memory quilt.
Step 4 Create zipper accent
Next, I added the details to get an idea about where they should go.
Step 5 Moving around fabrics and details
Then,I began to sew pieces together.
Step6 Trying out places
I continued to sew pieces together and change their place for balance of color.
Step7 ready to sew together
Finally, all of the pieces found their special spot.Next, the top was sewn together. Then,the backing and batting are added. Lastly I quilt the three layers together. In this case,the focus is on the materials and details. Therefore, the quilting took a back seat and did not stand out.
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
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
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, 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
Under the Shady Tree,37″ x 25″Great Blue Heron at Dusk, 31″ x 25″Gridlock I, 33″ x 31″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
Shore to Sky ZShore 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.
Arbie Williams. "Medallion" (1987), quilted by Willia Ette Graham
Art Museum inherits 3,000 African American Quilts
Charles Desmarais October 16, 2019Updated: January 30, 2020, 10:08 am
Arbie Williams, “Medallion” (1987), quilted by Willia Ette Graham.
A Gift of nearly 3,000 Quilts
Over all a gift of nearly 3,000 quilts, was announced Wednesday, Oct. 16,2020. Furthermore, all of the quilts were designed and produced by African American artists. Officials of the UC Berkeley Art Museum announced the gift. Eli Leon put together the extensive collection over more than three decades. Dr.Leon was a white Oakland psychotherapist. Meanwhile he became a respected expert on African American quilts. When Leon died in 2019, he left the quilts and a few other items to the Regents of the University of California. https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/Eli-Leon-scholar-and-collector-of-African-12757330.php
The Unusual Gift
Subsequently,the gift will add 15% to the museum’s permanent collection, said BAMPFA director Lawrence Rinder, in an interview with The Chronicle.
In addition,the two largest visual arts organizations, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, made major commitments. This year, SFMOMA sold a key Mark Rothko painting to raise millions of dollars . For example,this will enable the museum to broaden its collection through purchases of works by women, LGBTQ artists and artists of color. After that,the Fine Arts Museums acquired 62 works by 22 contemporary African American artists . Rosie Lee Tompkins, Untitled (1996), quilted by Irene Bankhead.
Similarly,Lawrence Rinder knew Leon. In the past,they had worked together on an exhibition of the quilts of Rosie Lee Tompkins. In addition,more than 500 works of Ms. Tompkins are part of the the gift. Moving forward, Mr. Rinder will curate a larger Tompkins show as his final project before retiring He said the quilts are decidedly not “folk art.”
It’s Art Art
Likewise,“Not to me,” he was quick to say. “I think it’s ‘art art.’ I don’t make those distinctions. To clarigy, labels like that justify the exclusion of people who are less well off or people who are not white.
“Some people think if you slap a label , it can help us understand where it comes from.On the other hand, I don’t care about any of that at all. Most importantly,I see emotion, expression, technical skill. … The rest doesn’t matter to me in the least.”
Monin Brown and Hattie “Strawberry” Mitchell
Adventurous Designs
For example,Leon tended to collect adventurous designs. However,it was not because the works look modern. “He believed deeply in a connection to African traditions. He conducted research on motifs, patterns and methods that he saw as rooted in Central Africa,” Variations on a Theme,artist unknown
Funds for Conservation
After that,Rinder said gifts and grants are being sought to fund conservation of the fragile works. Moreover, he believes the university is committed to their care and display. Furthermore in a statement, UC Berkeley Chancellor Carol Christ said, “BAMPFA is uniquely suited to ensure that these wonderful works of art receive the exposure and attention they deserve.”
LOC ART app has launched with the goal of revolutionizing art sales. Created by Santa Cruz residents Derick Delucchi and Dominic Elkin, Loc Art is an app that intersects art and technology. The process of browsing, buying and selling local art becomes more accessible, social, and smoother than ever before.
Both Delucchi and Elkin grew up in Santa Cruz. They experienced the abundant local art scene first-hand. After college,while returning to work here, they decided to help this cultural epicenter thrive in a more clear and consistent way. Delucchi envisioned an app as an easier way to connect the community with local creatives. In early 2017, Elkin began designing Loc Art App around this vision. Together they refined the product. The Loc Art app officially launched in the fall of 2019.
A Unique Guide
Loc Art App is a unique guide to the Santa Cruz art scene. The Loc Art app gives art enthusiasts the opportunity to discover talented artists. Original artwork located locally. Through the Loc Art app, collectors can browse and shop diverse forms of art from high-quality artists. The platform provides a convenient way for shoppers to communicate directly with their favorite artists. Commission are also available. Artists have the opportunity to showcase their work and sell it.
Loc Art app offers a digital art market experience that is user-friendly, personal, and professional. Additionally, the app provides a calendar with notifications of local art events, allowing people to keep track of classes, festivals, and markets happening around the county throughout the year.
Active Members of the Community
As well as pioneering the app, Delucchi and Elkin are active members of the community. Delucchi (whose family has been here for over 100 years) is a 4th generation firefighter who works for Cal Fire throughout the county. Elkin currently works for iheartjane, a Soquel-based startup software company.
We recently caught up to co-founders Derick and Dominic to talk about what motivated them to create Loc Art and how they imagine it evolving as more people jump on board.
Local Santa Cruz: What inspired you to launch Loc Art?
Derick: It started mostly by talking to friends who are artists and hearing about the challenges of trying to market and sell artwork. Especially when they really just wanted to spend more time creating. Then, when Dominic and I toured Open Studios a few years ago, we talked with some of the participating artists who were experiencing similar issues. That’s when we started working on the project and came up with the idea to design an app that would help local artists sell their work to the community.
At the moment, Loc Art is currently only available in Santa Cruz. But the inspiration was to create some kind of business that could grow community to community. Hopefully, something that could possibly spread across the U.S. and maybe even internationally. While still maintaining a grassroots feel. Once we get a business model down locally we can hopefully take that model and bring it to other communities. That way we can share the app in others interested in helping out their art scene in the same way.
Dominic: We feel like there is a big inefficiency in the way that the community interacts with art culture. We want to bring the same functionality that people experience anywhere else into the art realm. We think it would make it feel less like a “walled garden” . It would be approachable and easier to find something you are interested in.
Why do you think it’s challenging to become immersed in the local art scene?
Derick: SC has such a great art scene. But it can still be difficult for artists to dive in. There’s not always enough time for collectors to find new or established artists. Opportunities like Open Studios, for example, often only happen once a year. There were over 300 participating Open Studios artists this past October. I only made it to about 50, so there were still hundreds of artists I wasn’t able to visit. Art markets featuring a number of artists pop up around town as well. But we’ve talked to people at those events who were overwhelmed trying to get around to see all the booths. They want to have enough time to check everything out.
In terms of collectors, there’s also kind of a stigma around buying original art. That it’s only available for people who are maybe a little bit older in life or who have a larger amount of money to invest in art. For both locals and newcomers in the community, it can sometimes be a high barrier of entry to get into the art scene. It helps if you know people that are already a part of it. These are things we hope to change with this platform. We see art as something that everyone should be able to enjoy at whatever level works for them.
Dominic: Right now, you almost need someone you trust to show you around the art world. It’s hard to know where to go to look at paintings, take a photography class, or even just explore artists that you mightlike.
How does the app provide a solution for all types of artists and collectors, and what excites you about the potential of this platform as it continues to develop?
Derick: The more we became aware of the difficulties the community was facing, the more we thought it would be easier to have everything available on one platform. People could discover artists and search through a large number of them quickly. Artists could present their work or communicate with buyers at any time of the year.
Based on the technology of the app, we’d like to eventually include videos of the artists talking about their work. There are also more chat features on the app. It is less about you being on an app just to buy and receive an order. It becomes about having opportunities to get to know the artists and learn about their inspiration and work. So, there’s a more personal connection available when you shop on Loc Art than if you were buying a piece on Etsy.
Right now we have a QR code that takes people to the app if they scan it. We might implement a QR code for artists who hang up their art locally, So, you could quickly scan artwork you see around town on your phone. The artist’s profile would come up, and you could follow them and stay connected with them that way.
Another big thing we’re excited about is the calendar on the app that helps people get out to more art events and classes. For right now, we’re sharing dates of events that other businesses in SC are putting on, like the Makers Market, Open Studios, and holiday markets. We’ve partnered with the Cabrillo College Extension program to promote their art classes, as well as the All Hands workshops. Hopefully, in the future, we can branch out and host our own community events.
Dominic: We’re excited to continue to innovate tech for the art community. Eventually, we would like to give artists the ability to treat Loc Art like their virtual store – with a unique link to their own account, where their artwork is hosted. We are looking to build features leveraging feedback from the community of artists who are actually using our platform.
How has the SC art scene impacted you personally and inspired the creative design of Loc Art?
Derick: Dominic and I were both lucky to have had so many great art classes available to us throughout all our years of school. I took several classes in film photography as well as ceramics and jewelry classes. I was aware that many people around the country don’t have the luxury of having diverse art classes. Getting that first-hand experience and enjoying the process of creating was a huge draw for wanting to bring attention to local artists and support other art-oriented people.
The business has come a long way since my original idea. I never thought I’d have my own app, but it’s been exciting to see technology merging with the art scene. There’s a huge connection that happens that makes the experience of art so much easier for everyone to enjoy.
Dominic: What a great question. I think growing up in Santa Cruz (and around the art and creativity here) pushed me to walk my own path. There are some “characters” in Santa Cruz that aren’t afraid to do things their own way. I think Loc Art reflects that in its own way, too. We are going against the norms, but for the right reason – to support art.
De La Sierra,30″ x 32″, fabric collage with apillera
Most Importantly to honor the Indigenous People
Mexico is home to numerous distinct indigenous people each with their own customs and languages. Certainly each of the 29 Mexican states has several native costumes influenced by the mix of Spanish, Mestizo and indigenous people. Moreover,most festivals have roots in the indigenous past. Primarily, these are the roots that I celebrate when I make my fabric collages. Moreover,the desire to create a way to combine by love of sewing with my love of Mexico inspired the start of my art quilt life. Similarly,my Mexican inspired fabric collages evolved from that. Above all,I create the collages with fabric, details and found objects that I identify with the Mexican experience.
Frolic of the Lizards,34″ x 34″Flowers for her Hair,29″ x 29″Bag of Cultural Gems,22″ x 29″
Many Ways to make Fabric Collages
First, I start by choosing the fabrics and colors that go together. In addition,my design wall helps me to find their “special” spot. Moreover,it is important to decide what will go on top of the space beforehand. Jewelry or a finished iconic piece of fabric may be highlighted like a bandana or an arpillera. If the piece has many busy objects, then there needs to have an open calm space as the background. Popular trends in handcrafts of past generations in the United States were likewise popular in Mexico. Tatting and doily making were crossborder trends. I sometimes choose these for my pieces.
Abuelita”s Treasures,22″ x 26″
Sewing the Pieces Together
Next I sew the fabric pieces together. Then I pay attention to the order in which I need to sew the items on. Depending on the embellishment, I may quilt the whole top firstand then hand sew on the embellishments afterwards. Artist made 3D figures, flowers and hair bows add interest. Found objects including antique huipil pieces may be used. Colorful ribbons remind one of the movement and action of folkloric dancing. Sometimes I will fuse fun fabric pieces to the top.The whimsy flows.
Mexican Fireworks,23″ w x 33″hEl Senor y La Senora Win Loteria,31″ x31″
In Conclusion
Finally,these fabric collages are fun to sew together and embellish. Furthermore,I hope that you will be inspired to create you own. In addition,please feel free share them with me.
In conclusion,here is a link to some of my favorite blogs. The Thelmdatter posts are historical and informational about the diverse handicrafts made in Mexico. Unfortunately,the blog has been discontinued.
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.
step 1final choices for fabric step 1
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.
Cut up and placed on design wall step3
Then, I continue to sew pieces together and find the right spot for them. I look to balance color, shape and details.
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.
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.
Try these low tech quilting hacks to make to make quilting tasks easier. This post is about my favorite tools that I often use in my studio. Redirecting materials are a major motivating factor in my art. It so happens that it affects my low tech quilting hacks as well.
Threading the Needle
My regular sewing foot has a white plastic piece that holds it together. A bit of the white forms a background that allows for the ease of threading the needle. For years, I sewed clothing. Yet, never noticed this because I had no need to change the foot. As soon as I started quilting and began to use different feet, I noticed that threading the needle became more difficult.
What Had Changed?
I couldn’t figure out what had changed. It took me a while, the small white background was not longer there. So I recreated the white by using a small piece of white paper. I now keep a particularly stiff piece of white paper close at hand. For easy threading of the needle, I slip the paper behind the needle. When I use the walking foot or darning foot for free motion quilting, I can see the needle’s hole much better.
a useful white piece of paper to aide threading a needle
Easing of Fabric through the Feed-A Low Tech Quilting Hack
Many years ago I received a stick that looks like an orange stick used for nail care. Suzanne Cam gave them away as part of a quilting workshop. This tool has now become an indespensible tool. I use it often to grab threads, to gently guide fabric smoothly through the feed when necssary.
Moving Small Pieces- A Low Tech Quilting Hack
I also use the stick to move small pieces of fabric. For the fabric layering technique,I create my art flat on a table. I place the backing fabric down first. Then I lay the batting on top.Finally, I create the scene. At times this requires a gentle movement of small pieces of fabric or yarn. I use the stick for this. Nothing else creates a smooth curve or allows me to control the placement of small items or details.
a multiuse well used stick
Tiny Globs of Glue
At times I need to glue items to my fiber pieces. Often I only need the tiniest bit of glue not a glob of glue that might show. When my studio was in my home, I would use a plate from the kitchen to put the glue on. After moving to my studio,no plates were readily available.
Making Do
I flipped over the 3 ” plastic cap from the can of starch to use. To control the smallest bit of glue, I use a large needle or hat pin. When finished I can easily wipe off the residue of white glue . The pin or needle is then ready for its original intended use.
Plastic caps to control globs of glue
A Design Wall
I use a design wall to create my abstract pieces of art. It is essential for me to have a large space available. I would recommend at least 60″ high and wide. My studio design wall is about 90″ by 90″. I covered the wall with a piece of white flannel fabric. It is held in place by push pins. Portability is not an issue for me. Other quilters will swear by their expensive design walls. Don’t be fooled! Simple can be just as effective!
My large white flannel design wall design
True Confessions Time!
I am not an early adopter nor a gadget person. Quality standard tools and materials are necessary. These hacks are very low tech. Whatever works! For those still reading this post, I expect to hear a chuckle or two or daresay I, some laughing out loud at their simplicity. What simple hacks do you use? Please share.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Under the Shady Tree, 37″ x 25″ 2019Under the Shady Tree detail 2
Start with Fiber
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.
Winter Sunset greys,pinks and purple fabric in this abstract art quilt.
Creating Movement in Art
Above all as an artist I am interesting in creating movement in art.That is how I answered this question.“What are the essential elements you want your audience to know about your work? What do you want them to take away from seeing your art? “ asked a fiber artist friend.
She is well versed in the deep discussions generated by involvement with the Artist Conference Network. The ideas I had been thinking about came together. The question brought my ideas into focus; color, texture, movement. At this time I would like to address creating movement in my abstract art quilt pieces.
Subtle Wavy Lines
How does one make movement on something that is inherently static and flat? At first, I attempted to make every seam a curved line. That turned out to be a poor choice that affected the over all shape of the piece. I learned some straight lines are important for shape and balance. Another true life lesson learned, the importance of balance. Choose seams carefully for the visual impact. They may be wildly or gently shaped curves.
Activity on the Material
To begin, I choose the fabrics with movement in mind. I look for interestingly curved shapesthat are part of the fabric’s design. When I cut them up, they add interest and drama. They catch the eye and draw it in.
When I first selected this fabric of elongated greyhound dogs, I didn’t even notice the dogs just the colors and the shapes. I couched threads, rotated the fabric and then sliced the fabric into usable pieces. The shape of the animals disappeared yet the movement of their bodies remained. Other fabrics provide a pop of action to the piece. Creating the illusion of movement is an essential part of my abstract art quilts.
Greyhounds with some couching of yarnSkyward, the finished art quilt
Couching Decorative Threads
Couching decorative threads is another technique that is an essential part of my tool box. I sew multiple colored threads or yarns on to a strip of fabric. Then I cut them up into random lengths and use them as fabric. At first,the main purpose was to add texture to my pieces. Yet, sewing the threads in undulating parallel lines creates the slightest of distortion and movement.
Long strips of cotton with the threads couched on them.Winter Sunset, the finished piece
Adding Tucks
Adding tucks is another technique that started out as a way to add texture to a piece. However, movement was created at the same time. Tucks are small seams that run along the folded edge of fabric. When quilting over a series of parallel tucks they are folded up or down. This creates an illusion of movement.
Upwelling , Tucks run the width of several pieces to create movement.
Using the Design Wall
I create my abstracts on a design wall. I take time to balance the colors, fabrics, and quiet spaces for eyes to rest. Looking at the piece with fresh eyes may take several days or longer before sewing all the pieces together. Abstract artists have the added benefit of being able to rotate the completed piece. They check to see if viewing the piece from another direction it may actually improves it. It just might happen. Just because it was conceived and executed in one direction doesn’t mean that it cannot look better “upside down.”
Creating Movement While Quilting
In addition, the quilting process adds movement. I begin quilting in the middle of the piece making basically a large grid about 5” apart. Then the fun begins. I start quilting from corner to corner gently turning the fabric slightly side to side as I quilt. The thread line creates the movement. If the thread color contrasts with the fabric color, then the threads stand out. When the thread color matches the fabric, the thread may seem to disappear, yet the movement remains on a more subtle level. Many viewers look closer to try and understand how that affect can be.
Mossy Rocks, an art quilt
“It Dances.”
A former colleague of mine made an unsolicited comment about my work, “It dances.” Her remark touched me on several levels. Years earlier she admitted that she had no interest in attending an art quilt show. So when I heard her comment, I felt that I had truly opened her eyes to a new art form.
The Importance of Movement in Art Quilts
As you can tell movement in an art quilt is important to me. Yet not all art quilters share my view. A trend in quilting art quilts seems to be creating as many stitching lines on a piece as possible. These lines tend to be straight lines with about ¼” spacing . They may turn at sharp corners.
Does your quilting squash your fabric?
While attending a recent national art quilt shows, I noticed that almost 75% of the quilts had such quilting. I admit that such narrow line quilting may be effective for some pieces. The skill level is high for the artists that work that way. However, this style makes me cringe. Squashing and smashing the fabric into flat controlled pieces actually saddens me.Such tight stitching suffocates the fabric preventing it from moving or breathing.
In Conclusion
I create movement in several ways in my abstract art pieces. Some pieces of fabric are chosen based on their design element of movement. Couching decorative threads and tucks into gently waving lines adds subtle movement. Pieces are sewn together in a curve line piecing technique. Finally the artist generates wavy lines all over the piece quilting the three layers of fabric together.
Other resources that you may be interested in.
You may be interested in finding out more about the Artist Conference Network. It is an artist driven organization supporting artists as their more towards their artistic goals. Groups meet periodically to share and review each artist’s goals.
Rosie Lee Tompkins, Untitled (1996), quilted by Irene Bankhead.
Variations on a Theme,artist unknown
