Sherry Kleinman - Pacific Palisades, CA

1. How do you describe yourself? I am a person who has always loved all kinds of art, but I really have found my passion in mixed media fiber art. Once I discovered that I could combine my fine art with quilting, I have not looked back!

2. What is your creative process? The spark in my creative process usually begins with a drawing, a photograph, or an idea (sometimes a dream) that is a springboard to what will eventually follow. I do not do journaling work on a regular basis, but do make sketches of my ideas. I also like the serendipity of the process, not completely planning it all out ahead of time, letting the piece “talk” to me as I go along.

3. What's your style? Most of my work has a pictorial and realistic base to it. Currently, I like to work with a whole cloth base for my work, approaching it as I would in the fine art world of painting and drawing. Using a variety of surface design approaches (pencil, paint, crayon, mixed media collage, appliqué, fusing) I create my imagery on untreated painter’s canvas. I like the weight and texture of the canvas as a base for my work.

4. How long have you been a quilt maker/fiber artist? I made my first art quilt in 2005, after a 20 year plus hibernation from making traditional quilts. My journey of the past 5 years has been a glorious one, having the passion and time to pursue my artistic voice.

5. Do you listen to music when you make art? I like music but it has never been a muse to me. I like to listen to audio books while working on my art. Having been a multi-tasking kind of person, it works great as I have no time to read as I am in my studio so much.

6. What do you do when you are blocked creatively? I feel like there are a thousand things I want to do, so it is not hard starting, just making choices of what comes first and finding enough time to execute my vision! If I get stuck while working on a project, I walk away and come back with a fresh eye, either overnight or months later. I work best, working on more than one piece at a time. So if I am blocked, I put it up on the design wall and move on to another piece. At some point the “answer” always seems to come to me………..

7. Do you teach? No. Since I am a latecomer to the party (of art quilts), I have focused on taking classes, trying to catch up for lost time. I have loved the education I have given myself, learning from many of the best teachers around. I really appreciate the mentorship and encouragement they have given me.

8. Are there artistic endeavors that you have yet to do? Yes, I love to push and challenge myself trying new techniques, varying my approaches to my art. Who knows where that will take me?

9. How do you balance your family life and art? I have to admit that my delay in my fiber art career was slowed by my full time motherhood to three daughters. No regrets there. I raised three strong women who are all artists as well, integrating their own talents into their careers. Now with a retired (but active and understanding) husband, I have the time and joy to pursue my art.

10. What is the best part about what you do? Everything! I feel very lucky to be able to explore my creative voice and meet others who share my passion.

http:/www.sherrykleinman.com/