Try sparking your creativity by limiting materials. If you are like most fiber people or quilters, you may have lots of boxes or bags filled with random materials. Shake up your creativity by choosing only one box to use. Limit your materials for your next project to that one box or one bag. Make it work! Of course, you can break your own rules if you need to to use a unique fabric or item that will go perfectly in your piece.
Spark Creativity by Limiting Materials
I find having a studio full of materials limiting and stifling at times. Sometimes new productivity and creativity can come from limiting materials. Stuck in a rut? Maybe trying this will help. Long ago a librarian told me that sometimes having less books on a shelf increases book check outs. Spark creativity by limiting materials. Sometimes less is more.
Fabrics with couched (zigzagged threads) prepared previously but unusedI originally planned to use these materials for a small underwater fantasy.
My first plan was to make an underwater fantasy with a Mexican inspired twist. I listened to the materials as they led me in a slightly different direction in my first two pieces. Finally by the third piece I hit my original goal of a seascape with Guatemalan fabric fish. It’s your art. There is no right or wrong, just different.
Geeko Fun, art quilt, 9″x 9″ 23 x 23 cmGreen Gecko, art quilt, 8″ x 9″ 20 x 23cmGuatemalan Fish, blue underwater seascape art quilt 9″ x 9″ 23 x 23 cm
Stuck in a rut? Try this technique to help you see things differently.
Do you have rules for yourself when making your art? You make the rules. You can break your own art rules. For a long time I had a rule for myself that once a piece of art was finished, I would leave it alone. I chose to not change or update a piece.
When I started exploring art quilts I didn’t really know what I was doing. As I got better and more confident, I decided to leave my previous work as it was. Could it be improved? Yes. But why not just move on. Oddly enough, while I knew I could do better, some of these early pieces sold.
Well, a decade passed. Now, I have a better sense of myself as an artist. I decided to take another look at certain pieces. I gave myself permission to rework a piece. If I make the rules then I can break the rule. I liked this freedom and lack of guilt. Break your own art rules.
A Prolific Artist
My fellow artists have called me prolific. That also means that I have a lot of work on hand. During the pandemic I took a different view, reusing a former piece in response to the George Floyd murder. I reused a beige,cream and black abstract art quilt (12″ x 14″ 30 x 36 cm) as a background. I appliqued a black male figure with a sparkly golden heart on top of the abstract piece. Break your own art rules.
Honoring Black Men 2020, 12″ x 14″ 30 x 36 cm $125.
Luckily,this piece was successful. I repeated the process with a cream colored abstract with green accents. This time I added a woman dressed in a skirt and serape for a Mexican theme.
Green and beige abstract art quilt form the background for a Mexican woman with a rebozo(shawl). 10″ x 12″ 25 x 30cm
Pumpkin pie,this abstract quilt began the background for a Day of the Dead skeleton.
Pumpkin Pie,
7″ x 8″ 18 x 20 cmPumpkin Pie reimagined with a skeleton,7″ x 8″ 18 x 20 cm
Breaking a Sewing Rule
I recently broke a sewing rule. I have been sewing since high school which is a long time ago. Somewhere along the way I got it into my head that when hemming a seam I should top stitch it. The stitches would supposedly look better that way. Recently I sewed several large fabric gift bags. First, I folded 1/4 ” fabric from the top and then another 1 1/2″ fold over. To sew this seam down easily, I sewed the seam down on the inside of the bag instead of on the front. However,if there was a difference it was slight.
Gridlock I ,black and white abstract art quilt 33″ x 31″ 84 x 79 cm
I cut up Gridlock I, a large black and white abstract piece( 33″ x 31″ 84 x 79 cm)into 4 smaller pieces. They are not all the same size to maintain a detail. However, because it is an abstract the four pieces work well independently. Changing a finished piece is something that I would never have done in the past. I broke my own rule. I come from the traditional bed quilt world. To me, this quilt seemed small compared with a double size bed quilt that I was used to making. However, as wall art it is too big. Many people don’t have a large wall to accommodate such a piece. Changing one’s mind is acceptable. Give yourself permission to do it. Break your own art rules.
What rules do you make for yourself? Maybe you have rules about certain colors or materials you use? Break your own art rules. No one will know or even care. Creativity might even flow!
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.
Quilters create small pieces of fabric or scraps as a normal part of their sewing process. How to effectively use these scraps is a constant issue. I often use fabric 2″-3″ (5-8cm) to create my art. Guild members have gifted me small pieces of fabric, saying “Here, you use small pieces of fabric. Have these.” I didn’t refuse them. I put them to good use.
A little fabric humor- In my fiber group, I was the only art quilter. The other members made different kinds of fiber art. We would meet and share our art and our process. I learned that what seems obvious to quilters is not always so obvious to others. Discussing my process, I asked how do you think I begin? A friend answered,”You start by cutting up a lot of little pieces of fabric.” I had to chuckle. Sewers and quilters know that as we sew and trim, we easily create small pieces that become our scraps. We don’t need to create our own.
Another Use for Small Pieces of Fabric
Above all, quilters will probably always have small pieces left over. Whenever I make a bed quilt or a lap quilt, I like it to be reversible. In that way, I get two quilts for the price of one. Variety and change is good. Use your small pieces as part of the second side. Sew the leftover fabric from the front together and add them to the back fabric. This uses up the fabrics and also adds to the beauty of the quilt.
Many Art Quilt Techniques use Small Pieces.
There is a wide variety of techniques that use small pieces of fabric. Impressionistic art quilts lend themselves easily to the use of small pieces. With a little trimming a small piece of fabric becomes foliage, a rock or a hint of an animal. I have a container to store strips. Another bin is only for small pieces. Several bags are full of pieces larger than 6″. The real trick is to remember to look in those containers when choosing fabrics.
Small Pieces are my Signature Item.
Several years ago I had a commission to make a huge bed quilt 130″x130″ 325cm x 325cm using geometric shapes of solid colors. This is a king size bed with the quilt hanging down the sides to the floor. I was almost finished piecing the top together. But I came up short of a small bit of fabric. I could have bought some more. Yet I really needed only a few very small amount. I had a few small pieces left over so I sewed them together. That was enough fabric to complete the top of the quilt.
Furthermore, I was so pleased with the effect I decided I would repeat the process in the future. I would add them as a feature to my work. Small pieces (about 2” -3″ 5-8cm) sewn together are now a signature part of my abstract art quilts.
Business Cards Use Small Pieces of Fabric
I use small pieces of fabric to create my business cards. My business cards are small handmade art quilts about 3″ x 4″ 8cm x 10cm.Most people would throw out these small fabric and batting scraps. I sew several small pieces of material together. Then I write the basic information on a solid light color piece with a fabric pen. I add batting. I sew the three layers together and zig zag the edges. The extra effort to use materials that normally would be tossed out is important to me. I like that the card is a small art quilt for those who are unfamiliar with the art form. The positive response I receive for such an unique business card also makes it worthwhile. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2020/12/artful-fabric-business-cards/ /i
One of my handmade fabric business cards. Each one is unique.The other side with the important information
Will these techniques make all of your scraps go away? Probably not. But it might be a step in tbe right direction.
I do realize that some might consider some of these scrap reducing suggestions to be a bit time consuming or even wacky. However, I am serious about reducing waste and reusing materials.Yet I can be a bit over the top at times. But as I say, ” It is not illegal, yet.” In addition, the best part is one can choose to do these ideas to use small pieces of fabric or not. Sometimes I give myself permission to toss a piece of fabric.
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.
I often add sheer fabrics as part of my art quilt process. Sheers add a subtle dimension to landscapes and seascapes art quilts. During one show, a visitor actually squealed in delight. He had viewed a piece straight on. However, when he walked away that he saw the reflection of the shiny sheer fabric. He squealed much to his own surprise. The sheer fabric proved subtle, yet very effective. The shape may not be visible when viewing straight on but sometimes it is. It depends on the available light. Quite by accident I discovered the surprise sheer fabrics can bring.
Cinnamon Tree 45″ x 15″ 114cm x 38cm
I use small pieces of sheer when creating with my fabric layering technique. The sheer fabric may be used for almost anything. Cut the sheer fabric into any interesting shape imititating a slope of a mountain range, a branch or a cloud. The sky’s the limit depending on the artist’s plan. Some sheers have shiny pieces imbedded in them. This adds extra fun. Cinnamon Tree has sheer leaves,plants, rocks and a peach colored partial background. Maybe the sun is setting or peaking through the clouds.
Subtle Depth in the Background
The use of these sheer fabrics create a subtle depth in the background. Use small pieces to create shadows or who knows what. I like to leave something up to the viewer to decide what they think it is. Each viewer will probably see something different. In Sea Canyon Depths, there are several sheer pieces that may be difficult to see at first glance.
Sea Canyon Depths 40″ x 17″ 102 cm x 44cmBeginning steps to creating include adding sheer fabrics early in the process.This is the beginning of Mexican Iguana, an art quilt that will ultimately show a rain forest landscape.Mexican Iguana a little farther along.
Finding Materials
One has to be imaginitive to access materials. Of course one could buy them. But what fun is that? Finding new uses for what some might call trash is part of my process. In addition, using unlikely materials creates unusual pieces of art. Flea markets and garage sales are good places to search. Preferably I choose to gather materials that speak to me. Then later I decide how I will use them. I try the fabrics out with other materials once I am in my studio.
The fabric for the trees in Desert Trees in the Wash came from FABMO. I embellished the tree fabric with dark stitches to add texture. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2017/01/discovering-new-stitches/ Notice the peach colored sheer fabric in the background. I slipped in a small piece of a reflective sheer in the center.
Sheer Fabrics from FABMO
The San Francisco Bay Area has many unique things to offer. FABMO.org is one of them for artists and crafters. Every week this nonprofit’s volunteers pickup discontinued materials from the decorators at the SF Design Center. The materials are then made them available to the public to keep them out of the landfill. The sheer fabrics are often slow to be adopted. When I heard this,I started to gather them.I had no idea how I would use them. Slowly they made their way into my art quilts. Would that everyone had this access to a wide variety of sheer fabrics!
You can read more about the fabric layering technique here.
These Mexican Dance Fabric Art quilts represent the meshing together of two major passions in my life,quilting and Mexican folk dance. Naturally I wanted to express my love of both of them. Can you just hear the Mariachi music now?
My First Mexican Art Quilt
Homage to a Dancer was my first art quilt. Furthermore,the 2 1/2″ inch blocks in the background come from the traditional quilt world. I added the braids and ribbon detail from my actual Jalisco region outfit. The ribbons on the skirt, shawl(rebozo) and garter mimic the actual costumes.
Homage to a Dancer 56″h x 45″ w 2009
Above all,the Jalisco region of Mexico dominates the world’s view of Mexico with mariachi music, Mexican Hat Dance and charros(Mexican cowboys).
Michoacan Regional Dance
However, each of the other 29 states have varied and unique traditions and dances. Michoacan is the Mexican Land of the Lakes. So, I included a net with fish to highlight that part of the culture. Furthermore,Day of the Dead traditions are especially vibrant there.
This Mexican Dance Fabric Art quilt,El Danzante de los Viejitos(The Dance of the Little Old Men) represents a traditional dance from Michoacan, Mexico. Young men with old men masks and canes wobble on to the stage. A competition of lively steps takes place. The dancers knock down other dancers with the canes. At the end, the dancers wobble off stage again.
More Fabric Art from Mexico
Market Day 51″ x 40″ 129 cm x 101 cm 2009
This Mexican Dance Fabric Art,Market Day is a 3 D representation of a typical dance outfit. I brought the plastic shopping bag back from Mexico. I made the braid to use when I performed Mexican folk dancing. Overall, the 2 1/2″ (6cm) blocks of blue fabric background connects me to the traditional quilt world. Many 3D items adorn and add texture. Yet, the piece remains culturally accurate.
View how One Fabric became Three Unique Art Quilts
Little did I know that when I chose a fabric that one fabric would become three unique art quilts. The background fabric spoke to me. I liked the dots of different sizes while the peach color drew me in.
Knots-background fabric
First of all came Knots. It was one of my first pieces incorporating 3D objects with my art quilts. I added tucks and couched(zigzagged)fuzzy decorative threads to the fabric. Quilting black stitches added extra interest.The fiber piece in the middle is a mat like sample from FABMO as well. I folded it in half. Furthermore,I chose native inspired fabrics to roll up inside of the mat. Finally,a piece of favorite decorative thread with indigeous type details was added in several places. In short,Knots remains a favorite of mine. https://www.fabmo.org/
Copper Cliffs-smaller pieces used
SOLD! Copper Cliffs 21″ x 19″ 53cm x 48cm⁸ 2019
Copper Cliffs is an abstract art quilt. Smaller pieces of the original fabric is visible among the other fabrics. One of my go to techniques to create texture is to couch (zigzag) decorative threads on to fabric. Then I cut the fabric into smaller pieces to use. I used several different fabrics to do that in this piece. I also used curved line piecing to sew the pieces together. Scribble quilting adds movement.
Desert Trees in the Wash-Tree fabric stands out
DesertTrees in the Wash, 25″ x 24″ 63cm x 61cm 2021
Desert Trees in the Wash is a more recent piece. Oddly enoughafter all of these years, the fabric still called to me. Almost all of these fabrics and details are redirected designer samples that I acquired at FABMO. The fabric layering technique starts with the back fabric being place on a table. Then I lay the batting or center fabric on top. Next, I create the desert scene on top. A thin layer of tulle netting covers the entire piece to hold everything in its place. Free motion quilting makes sure that nothing moves.
A piece of fabric that inspired
In Conclusion
These three art quilts use the same fabric in different ways. On the one hand they are each unique. Each one was created without an inkling of the others.Yet, they also represent common aspects of my portfolios. It is only when I look back that I see this. I still like this fabric. I am happy with the outcome of each piece.
Lime sea dragon art on a throw pillow 14″ x 14″ 35cm x 35 cm
Marine Life in Art Quilts
Above all,marine life is front and center in my home town of Santa Cruz,California. For example,this is where three young princes of Hawaii first surfed in North America on July 19, 1885 on large redwood boards. In addition,Santa Cruz is at the top of the Monterey Bay with the world class aquarium just an hour away. The area is also home several national marine research facilities. Surf City, U.S.A takes its marine life seriously.
Art Ranks High too.
However,Santa Cruz is also listed as fifth in the nation as an artistic destination. That is to say that many artists live in the county. That is to say that marine life and art come together in this newer genre of art quilts. Come be inspired to try it yourself!
A Visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium
In the beginning when I first started making marine life art quilts, I visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In other words, I wanted to observe the fish. What do their mouths look like? What shapes are their tails? My intention was to create a accurate picture of the sealife. However, that idea went out the window very quickly. In conclusion,there is no one way that a fish’s mouth looks. The variety of shapes and forms is endless. My underwater fantasy portfolio was born. In addition, I was free to create an animal in any way I wanted because there was probably a fish that looked that way somewhere.
Deep Blue Sea,37″ h x 24″ w 94cm x 61cm
Sea Dragons at the Aquarium
Similarly, I saw my first sea dragon at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Was that a plant? Was that an animal? It was impossible to tell. I was fascinated. Ever since that day, I have been incorporating sea dragons into my art.
Technically,sea dragons are cousins to the sea horse. What? It is hard to believe. Sadly for us humans, the sea dragon display is not longer at the aquarium. Happily for the sea dragons, they have been returned to their natural habitat in the waters of the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. However, they may be on display at another aquarium.
Swimming With Sea Dragons, an art quilt, 26″ h x 22″w
I explored creating marine plants and animals using the fabric layering technique. In the same way, I added texture and movement to each piece! Color,texture and movement lead the way! Lots of thick decorative threads add texture and life to the underwater rocks. In addition, in Sea Dragons in the Golden Kelp, I created the animals by thread painting on Sulky water soluable fabric stabilizer.This thread painting technique creates lacy and leafy animals. Use one’s imagination to see animals among the plants.
Seadragons in the Golden Kelp 32″ x 22″ 81cm x 56cmLife Among the Seaweed, 26″ h x 22 ” w 66cm x 56cmViolet Seascape,33″ h x 26″ w 84 cm x 66 cm
Furthermore, underwater fantasies lend themselves to the use of sheer fabrics. Who knows what shadowy beings are lurking in the depths? Shiny, reflective fabrics cut into the shapes of fish and marine life add a dimension that often only becomes visible is a certain light. What a surprise! What fun!
Large Spotted Fish, 17 ” x 17″ 43cm x 43 cm
In Conclusion
In conclusion, underwater seascapes lend themselves to different colors, textures, and techniques. Create a fun marine world!
In addition you may read more here about the actual fabric layering technique I use. Follow the step by step procedure to make your own underwater seascape.
Viewing art made with mostly black and white colors is engaging. Furthermore, the contrast with just one other color attracts the viewer’s eye. While this is true of all art genres, I make art quilts. This post is about the quilts that use mostly black and white with possibly one or two other colors.
Classic Decor
Black and white decor is a classic look that is currently enjoying a rebirth in popularity. Black and white floors are common in Europe. One art fan compared my art quilts to tapestries. One time someone asked me to line the walls with my largest quilts to improve the acoustics at a film festival. The small dash of color is easily accommodated. Limiting the colors to just black and white and one more, insures flexibility that the piece will fit easily into many different places.
Adding Texture in Decor
Adding a cozy traditional quilt has been a a long time go-to idea for adding texture. Building on that,consider adding texture in the form of wall art to your decor. Wall art quilts are a new and modern way to accomplish that. It may seem subtle but a piece of fabric wall art is not as flat as a poster or a painting. An art quilt brings an added dimension to a room.
Easy Care Art
Art quilts are easy to hang. They generally weigh about a pound. MIne come with a handsewn fabric sleeve(tube) sewn on the back of the piece, a dowel and fishing line. Simply hang the invisible fishing line on a push pin or a nail. The edges of my art quilts are completely finished with a facing hand sewn to the back.
There is no reason to add a heavy frame. A frame just adds cost to shipping and unnecessary weight to the piece. Hanging a quilt rather than a heavy painting over a bed is an added advantage in earthquake country.
Fabric is a material that we are all familiar with. It is long lasting and adds warmth to a room. Keeping a piece out of the direct sunlight is necessary to prevent fading. Other than that, textiles are an easy care product.
Larger Wall Art
Gridlock I, 33″ x 31″Gridlock II,42″ x 36″ Juried into MAYHEM show at the ARC Gallery in San Francisco, 2013
Smaller Wall Art
Petite Madness,12″ x 9″ ,$125.Art quilt,Petite Limeade,10 ” x 10″ SOLDPetite Carbon Footprint,12″ x 9″,$125.
In conclusion,black and white art is classic.Adding a pop of color makes it fresh and modern.
First of all,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.
It has been said for example that if you don’t care about politics, then you don’t care about life. Politics and life are inseparable. I made these Political Quilts 2020 this Spring in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition,they also speak to the call for attention to the human treatment of immigrants and respect for the essential workers. Similarly,the positive messages of these quilts are of brotherhood and respect.
For a Juried Art Show
For example,Let Us Breathe,(Political Quilts Twenty Twenty)shows a black man and a black woman dressed in African fabrics on a background of many different skin tones. In addition,a shiny red, white, and blue heart decoration speaks to their allegiance to the United States. In short,people can love their country and honor their ancestral roots simultaneously.
Let Us Breathe,20202, 37″ x 35″, $3200.
An Immigrant Couple
Furthermore,The Border Crossed Us shows an immigrant couple on a background of multicolored skin tones. Most importantly,many of the immigrants from south of the border are indigeous peoples.
The Border Crossed Us, 34″ x 30″ $3200.
Honoring Black Men is a smaller piece with the same theme of respect. In the samevein,a disrespect of one is a disrespect for all.
Honoring Black Men,2020, 11″ x 11.5″ $125.
More Political Quilts Twenty Twenty
Petite Field in Spring is a small art quilt highlighting immigrant workers.
Petite Field in Spring, 2020, 10″ x 12″, $125.
Essential is another small art quilt showing essential workers in a positive fun light.Furthermore, how would we have made it through 2020 without them.
Essential,2020, 9.5″ x 10.5″, $125.
Another fun piece, Star of the Show uses Guatemalan fabric for the lady’s dress.
Star of the Show, 10″ x 11″
In conclusion,these past years have been difficult due to the attacks on the truth, voting rights and the civil rights of the minority groups in this country. First of all, for our democracy to survive and thrive, we need a strong education system that is free to teach the truth. Furthmore,everyone’s vote and opinion needs to be counted. Lastly, let there be equal rights for all!
Clearly, political quilts have a long tradition. For example,quilters have long used fabric to express their political feelings and thoughts. However,the current time is no different. For example,one quilter recently embroidered the former president’s tweets onto a quilt.In short,to hand sew the president’s comments took more persistence and fortitude than I have.
A Politics-Free Zone
Above all,as a politically aware person in these recent years, my art became a refuge of comfort from the news.In other words, a politics-free zone. Most importantly,I had spent my career teaching underserved marginalized groups. In addition,I created fair situations for all genders and nationalities to learn. Similarly, getting students to blossom and prosper is in my bones.
However,during the shelter in place, I remembered that I had done some earlier political quilts. After that, I looked through my photo files, In short,I surprised myself by the number of political quilts I had made.
Before I was an Artist
I had quilted for many years. Yet,I mark my art quilt career as beginning in 2010. However,I found several political quilts that I made before that date. For example,in 1969, I had a green Ecology Action Flag decal on my small green car. Clearly,this piece is a reminder of that. Ecology Action began in my home town, Palo Alto,California.
Ecology Flag,2008, 33 ” x 26″
Whimsical Quilts
First of all,Bamanos, Let’s Go With Obama celebrates the election of the first Black president of the United States. Clearly, it is a nod to Spanish, vamanos(Let’s go) and Obama at the same time. What a fun whimsical quilt!
Bamanos, Let’s Go With Obama,2009, 33″ x 30″
This whimsical quilt, Teaching the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love was created in 2009. Clearly the teaching is a difficult job. We don’t need politicians telling educators how to teach.
In retrospect,I originally thought these quilts were small.They are much smaller than the double size bed quilts I had been making.
Teaching the Toughest Job You’ll Ever Love,2009, 33″ x 30″
2010-2014
Clearly,my first art quilts celebrated travel as an enriching activity. For example, I traveled to Europe yet I met Africans, Iranians and Israelis among others. Furthermore the conversations that I had with them gave me a better understanding of their views. Their experiences in the world were different too. People are people. But at times,we see things differently. In short,I wanted to celebrate meeting people.
African fabrics
Similarly,one of my first art quilts,Travel Enriches used African fabrics.
Travel Enriches, 2010, 42″ x 42″, $2100.
Likewise, African Crabs does too.
African Crabs, 2010,26″ x 26″ $1500. fabric art quilt
Black and White Quilts and a Pop
In 2010 I made I also made, Together, We All Win. A figure made of international fabrics lies on a black and white background.
Together, We All Win, 2010, 50″ x 33″, art quilt
Clearly, Girls Play was a tip of the hat to Title 9 that extended all rights to girls in athletics. However, this opportunity was unavailable when I attended high school.
Girls Play,2010, 35′ x 38″ $2100.
Mexican Folk Dancing
For example,with Homage to a Dancer (2009) and Market Day I wanted to express the color and movement of Mexican Folk Dancing.Similarly, they honor women.Yet,I wanted a male representative. Furthermore,men dance in El Danzante de Los Viejitos from Michoacan, Mexico.
Market Day,2009, 56″ x 45″$3100.
In Conclusion
To summarize,when one honors underrepresented peoples as I have with my quilts, then I am definitely making political quilts.
More than ever Etsy shops list an incredible number of unique handmade and vintage items. If you shop Etsy you will find joy. Art quilts are listed on my site. Currently, I have also listed vintage items from my family. I have kept some of my own pieces for so long they are now vintage. http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/
A Funny Story
Back in the 1970’s, the Bob Newhart Show was a popular sitcom. I remember a funny setup. His receptionist dates an older man. She goes to his apartment for the first time. She says, “I love what you have done with these antiques.” Her date answers,”Thank you. They weren’t antiques when I bought them.” Similarly,I am there now.
Sadly the Shop Etsy Find Joy videos are no longer available.
Vintage Clothing
Vintage clothing is at least twenty years old. Similarly,recent listings include vintage clothing and vintage jewelry. Many of these are one owner items. They come from the closets of my grandmother, mother and mother in law or myself. Many items from the 1940 to the 1980s.
I made this jacket for myself. First I sewedthe fabrics together. Then I cut out the pattern. I wore the jacket several times. Then I realised that I am not a jacket person. I much prefer sweaters or a warm hooded coat. May someone else enjoy wearing this piece!
Assemblage – 3D Collages
During the pandemic shut downs, I created some assemblage pieces. They are 3D collages. Some are art in a box. Similarly, due to the smaller size they are minimalist. I inherited several antique keys that I added to my pieces.
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.
Above all, I like using discontinued designer fabrics in my art quilts. These materials add texture and movement to my work. Most importantly as a fiber artist, I look for unique materials. Using discontinued fabrics from designers fits the bill.
Just as important is keeping these beautiful materials out of the landfill. Certainly,giving them a new life is important. First,I gather my materials first with no idea in mind as to how I will use them. Then I see which materials play well together.
Finding Discontinued Materials
About ten years ago I started volunteering at Fabmo,(Fabric and more). About the same time,I became more serious about making my fabric art. FABMO is a nonprofit center for redirecting fabrics. For example,dedicated volunteers make weekly trips to the San Francisco Design Center, a decorator hub. These materials are new and ready to be recycled. Furthermore,the public can buy these materials for a donation.http://fabmo.org
Inspiration from Discontinued Fabrics
The nonprofit recently moved to a warehouse in a Sunnyvale, California. After that,it was ready to offer selection days for the public. For example, items to choose from include discontinued items, fabric samples and details. The fabric is like none available in local quilt shops and fabric stores. It inspires me to see how the fabrics play with one another. At the same time,the volunteers are dedicated to reduce, reuse, and recycle fabrics. They search for new ideas to use the materials. Then they share these ideas on their newsletter. Check with your local decorators for similar opportunities.
Unique fabrics make Unique Art.
Autumn Comes to the Farm,an art quilt made from redirected fabrics, 20″ x 20″Desert Sands,21″ x 16″
Inspiration from Unusual Fabrics
The next step is to choose from the wide variety of materials that are available. Needlesstosay, the amount of possibilities is a bit overwhelming. Furthermore,the use of silk, linen and synthetics allows me to add texture to my art pieces. These fabrics can be a bit more difficult to work with than cotton. Unlike bed quilts, art quilts as wall art do not have to be washed. In other words, easy care materials like cotton are not mandatory.
Rusty Cans in the Wash,16″ x 15″Visions of New Mexico,3rd place award, 31″ x 26″
A Win Win Situation
Finally,I am very inspired by how these redirected materials play together. I really hope that you will search out sources for redirected materials in your area. It will add a spark to your art. It will create a decline in entries to the local landfill. What could be more of a win-win situation?https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/08/adding-color-to-your-art-quilts/
Winter Sunset, An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colorsthe finished piece
Memories of Favorite Colors
Memories of favorite colors can stay with you throughout a lifetime. As a seven year old, I remember telling the neighbor lady that I wanted to be an artist when I grew up. My favorite colors were pink and yellow. I chose them both because I couldn’t decide which one I liked the better.
My goal of becoming an artist faded almost immediately. That idea didn’t resurface until much, much later after a 36 year career as an elementary school teacher. Yet, my memories of my favorite colors remained with me.
Elementary School
For several years while I was in upper elementary school, a ladies choir came to sing for our school. I don’t remember the music but what stuck with me were their dresses. The ladies all wore a solid color shirtdress that was most likely from their own closet. The affect of the variety of colors was intriguing to me. I was starstruck. I kept this memory for such a long time that I made myself a single color dress to wear to work many years later.
Shirt dresses possibly from Villager.
Memories of Favorite Colors,Age 13
My mother loved clothing and dressing nicely. I could always count on her for a lovely outfit for a Christmas gift . For my thirteenth Christmas, she surprised me with several items to mix and match in forest green and light blue. There was a green blouse with light blue flowers, a fluffy Mohair blue sweater,blue pants and a light blue skirt. I was in heaven. Those colors have stayed dormant within me although I haven’t done anything with them. Maybe the time is now right?
My mohair sweater looked like this only in light blue.
Memories of Favorite Colors -Chocolate Brown and Light Blue
Fast forward ahead to my life as a young wife. My husband and I enjoyed visited model homes to get inspiration for our own space. We were both enamored with a home decorated in dark chocolate brown colors with light blue accents. Again we didn’t act on our interest. But the memory of colors of that model home stayed with us both .
Memories of Colors-Purple
We all must admit that we have been influenced positively and at times negatively by our parents. My mother did not like purple. The purple of the 1960’s was more of a sickly lilac. I share her dislike for that color. It is not a color that blends well with our olive complexion. Here are some beautiful dresses in the color lilac. I must admit it is hard to dislike these stunning examples.
lilac dressThe lilac dress is in the middle.lilac dress
Other Shades of Purple
Much later a wider variety of purples became popular. Shades of purple that constrast well with many colors are a natural choice for my art. Here are some examples.
Splendid Fairy Wren, 30″ h x 25″ wUnder the Palapa, 27″ x 21″Shore to Sky E, 10″ x 10″Love in the Abstract, an abstract art quilt in purples and pinks,24″ x 26″Winter Sunset, An abstract art quilt with lavander,pink, and grey colors,the finished piece
Conclusion
These are some of my memories of favorite colors that have stayed with me for many years. Thank you for letting me share. I assume that others also have fond memories of shades from their childhood and beyond. Do you have any color favorites of your own.? Feel free to share them here.
For the past ten years, I have worked to come into my own as an art quilter. It took that long to grow into the artist I am today. Growth happens when we least expect it. I started making art quilts about 12 years ago. I entered and was accepted into my first juried art show in 2010. The next year the same piece won an award. Subsequently, there was not turning back. I was off and running. This year,2019 I was accepted into New York Art to show in their gallery in TriBeCa in New York City.
At first,I would look at art quilts in galleries and shows. It was puzzling that none of them looked like mine. At first,I was worried. This struck me as worrisome. It took me a while to realize what that meant. After that, I realised that I had my own style. This became reassuring. No one has had my experiences, my life, but me. No one chooses the materials that I choose. That is why the quilts are different.
Underwater Fantasies
Living on the California coast, marine landscapes are popular.In the beginning when I started doing underwater seascapes, I was concerned about how make a fish’s face or mouth. Then I went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. I saw examples of everything . For example, some fish mouths went up, some mouths went down ,some were big and some were small with everything in between. Subsequently,this freed me to create as I chose. Clearly,I don’t do scientific drawings. However,I do create whimsical seascapes I call underwater fantasies. This is who I want to be.
Sea Turtles,23″ x 35″
Wavy Quilting Lines
I have noticed that many art quilts that win awards at art quilt shows are heavily quilted with tight quilting lines, mostly straight lines ¼” apart. To me that kind of quilting just tries to control the fabric and squeeze all movement out of the quilt. Movement is one of my guiding influences . My quilting lines swerve and wave from corner to corner. It is what I do. It is my style.
Petite Neutrality, 11″ x 12″
Working from Photos-NOT
I do not like to work from photos. I do not want to create anything that can be copied with a camera. That’s just me. Yet many other art quilters do work from photos. They do create award winning pieces.
Once, I tried to make a landscape quilt using fabric with rocks and trees on it instead of just creating my own. It was not fun trying to find the exact fabric I needed. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. Now I prefer to work in the realm of impressionism. Yes, it will obviously be a landscape or a seascape. But I trust the viewers’ eyes and minds to interpret a scene as they see it.
The color of threads changes according to what fabric is near or next to them.The threads and fabric don’t need to match exactly. I love that quality. It frees the artist from certain restraints.More recently I have been making abstract art quilts by choosing three contrasting colors. Then I find the hues of those colors to increase the range of the colors. It is what I do. It is my style.
Creating Texture
To add texture, one might find some 3D decorative threads hanging freely down off of the top. One might see rows of couched decorative threads throughout the piece adding more texture. My nature pieces may include lots of threads used to create bushes or brush in the landscape.One might see straight or curving tucks to add texture and movement. It is what I do. It is my style as an art quilter.
Under the Shady Tree, 27″ x38″h
My Three Portfolios
I have three portfolios that speak to me; Nature quilts(trees, landscapes and underwater fantasies) Mexican inspired pieces ( often fabric collages) and abstract art quilts. I usually rotate between each portfolio making several pieces before moving on. In this way , each portfolio feels new as I haven’t done it for a while. Creating Color! Texture! Movement! in each piece remains consistent. It is satisfying to finally recognize who I am and what I do as an art quilter.The good news is I now know who I am as an art quilter. https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2019/10/myself-the-artist/
De La Sierra, fabric collage with appillera, 32″ x 30″
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.”
Rosie Lee Tompkins, Untitled (1996), quilted by Irene Bankhead.
Variations on a Theme,artist unknown