ARTIST STATEMENT

There was no formal art background that led to my interest and passion for fabric art, but rather small steps of curiosity, meeting the right people along the way to teach, guide and mentor me. One goal I had during any workshop or class was to glean a single nugget from each class to add to my repertoire.

My desire as a fledgling artist was to become a portrait painter but, after painting my first portrait, I wondered if I could transfer it to cloth. I fell in love with the results. I began to quilt small, raw edge, applique portrait quilts. Since those beginnings in 2015 I’ve challenged myself to step out of the familiar work and into abstract and sometimes improvisational piecing and it has been rewarding and exciting. I tend to push the boundaries of my comfort level and realize the outcomes are growth, progress and confidence. Recently, I have experimented with turn under applique abstracts which are highlighted in my portfolio. Taking a week-long class with Katie Pasquini Masopust, has taken me into the exciting journey of abstract original works. Since taking her class in June, 2021, I have finished 16 smaller quilts, 21”-30”, in this style.

My working process begins with acrylic paintings on canvas, the canvas is cut into a design, sewn back together and cropped for compositional effect. That composition is then enlarged onto a cotton under-layer and the fun begins. I am interested in exploring the relationships between line and shape, patterns and textures. I try to create the illusion of multi-layered movement through the use of strong contrast. My hope is that the viewer will want to follow the paths that take them under, over and through the piece. I prefer to not dwell on the beginning line drawing as I work towards the end goal. Decisions made “in the moment” will often result in a richer design and that’s what keeps bringing me back, the surprise at the end.