Artist Profile: Kathy York

Kathy York
Austin, TX
www.aquamoonartquilts.blogspot.com

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you?  I like the square shape and size a lot!

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? I usually design on a wall.  I have 2 foam core sheets, each 4' x 8' and covered with polartec fabric.  The big size allows me to work big and when working smaller I can put up several projects at the same time. Sometimes, when fusing a quilt top, I work on the floor and I can arrange the entire top and just press in place.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? I have been making more modern quilts lately, so it was fun to work on an art quilt again.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? I spend some time generating lots of possible options and then try to visualize each one to pick the best one.  It may mean moving around the composition a bit, or trying out different fabrics.  Some times I will photograph the parts that I already like and then play with the image on photoshop to try out ideas before proceeding.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? I usually work on multiple projects at the same time.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? I always hope that my work hits a sweet spot on a visual level and an interesting spot on a thoughtful level!

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? I really enjoy designing art quilts and selecting color palettes. I also really like it when my work gets selected to be in the public eye for a while, with one caveat:  I really miss my quilts that go to venues that keep it for several years. 

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? I belong to SAQA, International Quilt Association, Austin Modern Quilt Guild, and the Austin Area Quilt Guild.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why? I like bright colors because they are visually stimulating and fun to work with.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? I enjoy sewing and quilting a lot, but I never expected this love of fabric to lead to the great number of fabulous people I have met along my journey.