Terry Grant - Portland, OR

1.  What do you call yourself - art wise?   I call myself a fabric artist. I quit calling myself a quilter because that just makes people want me help them make a baby quilt.
2.  How do you jump start your creativity when you are in a slump?   I try something new on a small scale. A slump usually means I am bored with myself and need a challenge.
3.  If money wasn't an issue, what would you do with your art?   I would spend half my time traveling and getting inspiration, then the other half creating in the state of the art studio I would build.
4.  Do you keep a sketchbook, journal, etc.?   I use a sketchbook, as opposed to keeping a sketchbook. My sketchbooks are purely functional, working sketches and not for anyone's eyes but my own. My blog is my journal.
5.  Where can people see your other work this year? shows, books, magazines, etc
I have an article in the upcoming issue of the e-Mag In Stitches and work in Susan Brubaker Knapp's upcoming book. I am one of the authors of Twelve by Twelve: The International Quilt Challenge just released this spring and our work will be seen at the Houston, Cinncinnati and Long Beach International Quilt Festival shows. I have also submitted work for other shows yet to be announced. You can always see work in progress on my blog.
6.  Do you teach? where?   I teach only occasionally. My most recent teaching engagement was at the Stitches in Bloom Quilt Show at the Oregon Garden.
7.  Is there a particular artist who had influenced you in your art life? and why?  Many, many years ago the work of Jean Ray Laurie showed me that quilts could be something more than bedcoverings. Her innovative techniques, free spirit and sense of humor have been a great inspiration.
8.  Where or what show do you hope your work will be in someday?   I would love to have a solo show in a gallery some day. That means I would have to accumulate show worthy work and then summon the courage to approach a gallery. Gulp!
9.  Describe your studio workspace.   Right now I work in a tiny, cramped bedroom with horrible wallpaper! We are in the final stages of obtaining permits to build a new studio on our property. It will be heaven when it is finished.
10.  What 3 tools could you not live without?   My sewing machine, of course. My light box and a collection of good scissors.
11.  What drives you to make the work that you do?   It is who I am.  I can't imagine my life without it.
12.  How do you balance your life?    I gave up on the idea of balance long ago. I am a glutton for what makes me happy—art, friends, family, travel. I clean when it is absolutely necessary and sleep very little!


http://andsewitgoes.blogspot.com/
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