Artist Profile: Jane LaFazio

Jane LaFazio
San Diego, CA

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? Yoga, a cup of coffee in the morning, a glass of wine at night, walking in my neighborhood.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? http://mundolindobeautifulworld.blogspot.com/ is near and dear to my heart. It’s a once a week, afterschool art program, free for 5^th and 6^th graders. I created it and have taught the kids from 6 years. I also regularly donate artwork and time to the San Diego Brain Injury Foundation.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group? I have in the past and it’s wonderful! To learn and share and be supported in a group of fellow artists is divine.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  I am a member of SAQA (and have been a rep) and Visions Art Museum (and have been on the board) and in the past, San Diego Watercolor Society (as board member and president).

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors? I don’t have a favorite palette. Sometimes I work in monotones, creams, whites ecru. Sometimes it’s earth colors of rust, gold and warm brown. My sketchbook has pages full of oranges, reds and yellows along with the blue, purple turquoise pages. I love grey and would like to use it more in my work, but I always forget about it!

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy?  Messy. When I’m in a whirl of creativity for a project, my desk (and often the floor) gets piled high with materials for whatever I’m working on. It’s a bad sign when I must move from my studio to the dining room table to complete something!

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I think color comes first. For my fiber work, I’ll often pick the materials first and let the color scheme appear from what I’m drawn to at that moment. Then it’s right to work, with only a vague feeling for what the piece might become.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why? Nature (leaves, flowers, vines) Circles.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?  John Singer Sargent, David Hockney and Gustav Klimt.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?   “From art journaling to art”

“The Small Art Quilt”

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? Yes. I make art and teach art full time and have for the past 13 years. I LOVE it!

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?
Including the wonderful run I’ve at with the Dinner @ 8 exhibitions, being accepted into Quilt Visions 2010 was a big deal, and I’m always thrilled when I’m published.

http://JaneLaFazio.com/

Artist Profile: Cynthia St. Charles

Cynthia St. Charles

Billings, Montana

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?   I do a lot of work featuring petroglyphs - ancient rock art, and I really wanted to do a piece featuring the "rituals" of ancient North American people.  I take photos of any petroglyphs I find in my travels (and locally) and convert these to Thermofax screens.  I actually worked up and completed an entire petroglyph piece in the required dimensions, but it just didn't work with the tall, narrow format required for this show.  So, I had to start over with something more personal - my daily sunset gazing.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? I very frequently participate in calls for art for fundraisers at the Yellowstone Art Museum.  I have also long been a regular contributor to Virginia Spiegel's fiber art fundraisers for the American Cancer Society, and to the SAQA 12" Square Silent Auction.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group?  I am the founder of a local small art group established 9 years ago.  The group goes by WAV, for Women of Artistic Vision.  The group has met monthly since our first meeting in September 2003, and many of the founding members are still involved.  I enjoy the casual nature of this group and the support we give to each other.  It has been exciting watching fellow member's careers develop over the past 9 years.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?   I am a member of SAQA.  I am currently curating a regional exhibition called "Broad Spectrum", which had a 7 week run in a lovely gallery at a Rocky Mountain College.  The show is now on it's way to Denver for the Denver National Quilt Festival in May.  I will be taking a position on the SAQA Exhibition Committee soon.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors?  This is  the most difficult question of the list!  My work is consistently multi-colored.  I have a large body of work in browns, some that are mainly red, and a lot that are basically green.  I never met a color I didn't like.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy?  My studio space is utilitarian.  It is spacious, with good storage and lots of  roomy work surfaces for various tasks.  I feel fortunate to have a wet studio attached.  I am incredibly messy, a multi-tasker and tend to have many projects going at once.

7.  What is your creative process?    Most of my ideas come to me as a brain flash.  I will do a quick sketch of my overall idea, just to get it on paper, but I rarely look at the sketchbook again during my process.  I tend do a lot of mental work and research when I get stuck.  Much of my work is very surface design driven.  I have discovered I am really a printmaker at heart.  I am integrating my fabric printing processes with my art quilting on a grand scale with a new series.  I have made over 30 block printed quilts in the past 6 months.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?   Spirals and circles.  Sheesh!  I wish I could explain my attraction to these shapes, but I can't - and I can't seem to create anything without them!  I have been told they are feminine symbols.  Maybe so, but I just find them fun - especially sprials!

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?  I really love the work of Hundertwasser, Monet, and Matisse.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  I am preparing to record a DVD for Quilting Arts Worshop.  The title has not been decided yet, but the instructional video involves combining print making with art quilting.  I have done over 30 pieces in this style and am still finding the process exhilarating.

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  I am a retired School Psychologist.  While working in the mental health field, I did textile art for my personal therapy.  When it became possible for me to take an early retirement, I took over a huge part of the basement of our home with my studio.  I spend pretty much every spare moment in my studio.  I love the ability to transition quickly from other life obligations right back to my work - something only possible because my studio is in my home.  I think this contributes to my tendency to be very prolific.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? Having work on the cover of Quilting Arts Magazine - twice now!  Big thrill both times, but the second time was most validating - made me feel that the first time wasn't just a fluke.

www.cynthiastcharles.com

http://cynthia-stcharles.blogspot.com/

Artist Profile: Susan Fletcher King

Susan Fletcher King

Houston, Texas

 

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?  I had a wonderful idea about bedtime rituals that involved reading to your children before bed.  Unfortunately, the imagery just didn't work in the long vertical format, so I'm hoping to make that quilt in a different size at a later date.

2. Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work? if yes, what project or projects?  I donate my work to to a couple of non-profit groups when I am able.  These include a nature center located here in Houston and  a rescue group for homeless pets.  Both of these groups hold annual auctions since they have limited funds and depend largely on community support. 

 

3. Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists? yes/no name/where what is the best part of being part of an art group? Yes.  I belong to two different groups. The first group is called Fiber Voices which started as a splinter group from a larger bee.  I enjoy the small size of Fiber Voices and we are very supportive of each other as we try to do both individual and group projects.  The second group is called Out Of Bounds and I count myself as being very lucky in that I was invited to join.  This group is a bit larger with approximately a dozen members.  Although started mainly as a critique group, Out Of Bounds also holds semi-regular play dates for low pressure fun and experimentation. 

 

4. Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA? Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? No, not at this time.
5. What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work? name 5 and your least favorite colors? name 5    I find myself particularly drawn to black and the cool colors - blues, some grays and greens.  I LOVE acid green although I can't always justify using it in my work.  I often have to force myself to work with the warm colors - orange is particularly difficult and I really make a conscious effort to "friend" it.

6. Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less. are you messy or tidy? My studio is small so I try to keep it clean and clear.  Sometimes I am less successful at this.

7. What is your creative process? think, draw, design, make or right to the design?    Sometimes it may take a process of sketching from thumbnails to larger, fully planned drawings while other times I can bypass the drawing stage and go right to the fabric.   Either way, I always have some idea in mind and so the conversation between myself and my art begins. 

 

8. Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work? Why?  I wish I had a "signature" element but it hasn't happened yet.

9. If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?  My favorite living artist is Maggie Taylor - what she does is amazing!  Each piece is like a story  and not always a predictable story!   And I adore Maxfield Parrish.  Perhaps because of my background as an illustrator, but without a doubt, I really love to get lost in his art.  I love the scale of his large paintings and the luminosity that they have.

10. Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD? If so, can you tell us the title or titles? No books or DVDs as of now.

11. Do you make art full time? If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  Art is as full-time as I can make it.  I juggle the mother/wife duties and fit my art time in between that.  If I weren't doing art, I'd need a therapist!

12. What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? I am always excited if someone buys my art.  I recently found out that at least two patrons of the art gallery where my work is shown actively buy and collect my artwork and are notified of any new work of mine when it comes into the gallery.  That was inspiring and ego-boosting!

 

www.susanfletcherking.com

Artist Profile: Desiree Habicht

Desiree Habicht

Riverside, CA

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?  I had so many I had a hard time narrowing it down. Painting/sketching daily, Christmas morning rituals were a few of my ideas.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? Yes, I recently donated my artwork and gardens for touring to the Riverside County Medical Centers Child abuse and neglect unit for their May 2012 annual fund raiser. I also support SAQA by donating auction quilts every year, as well as Visions Art Quilt Museum and the Alliance for American Quilts.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group? Yes, I belong and co-lead a small art quilting group called Sub-Q (Subterranean Quilters). It is a safe place to explore and try new techniques as we challenge and support each other as we stretch and grow.  

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? Yes, I belong to SAQA as well as other professional art organizations such as Riverside Art Museum, PAAR (Plein Air Artists of Riverside), PSSC (Pastel Society of Southern California),The Art Colony and Watercolor West. I currently hold the position of Education and Programs Chair for PAAR . 

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors? I usually use strong, bright, very saturated colors in my work, greens, oranges, reds, yellows and usually black. My least favorite colors are pastels or soft values of any color.  I guess I like to scream it from the rooftops verses whispering it from the streets.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy? 

Oh man, I hate to say this but lately my workspace is very MESSY! My husband has threatened to start a show called fabric hoarders! I start a project with a tidy workspace but it is soon messy, then I clean it before I start a new project. When I have multiple projects or a tradeshow coming it is in a constant state of mess. 

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I think about the project or idea for awhile. Allowing my mind to play and come up with ideas then I work it out on paper, making sketches of different ideas and layouts etc. Then I will continue to expand and continue making changes as I am designing and assembling the project, its always a work in progress, like me.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?
I like soft lines and organic shapes, there is a organic flow and rhythm to them.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?  It is always changing but right now I love Alvaro Castagnets work, its bold and strong, and he has dared to work outside the box of traditional watercolorists. Challenging the rules and ideas set down by the purists and traditionalist. Isn't that what all of us art quilters are doing every time we create a new piece?

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles? Yes, I wrote one, but never published it, its on my bucket list!

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? Yes, I am a full-time artist, I love waking up everyday and being able to create something beautiful.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?  I have three of my art quilts coming out in a new book called Designs in Art Quilts to be released in the spring of 2013, all three quilts featured are from Jamie and Leslie's invitational exhibits, Edges, The Space Between and Beneath the Surface! The other exciting thing was that my art quilt "Crepe Paper Poppies" was made into a art tile, 6"x16" for use in interiors. The tiles turned out beautiful and I have ordered more so I can tile some of the rooms in my house! 

www.desireesdesigns.com
http://desireesdesigns.blogspot.com

Artist Profile: Cindy Cooksey

Cindy Cooksey,

Irvine, California

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? My other idea was "Seventh Inning Stretch." I was going to portray a baseball fan laden down with souvenirs from the game, belting out "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." But my photo booth idea seemed to fit the format better.

2. Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work? if yes, what project or projects? I do from time to time: I helped make a group quilt for the Orange Public Library, and I've made auction quilts for the Alzheimer's Quilt Initiative, for example.

3. Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists? yes/no Name/where? What is the best part of being part of an art group? Yes, a small group in Orange County. It's great to be in a group where you don't have to explain what it is that you do, and everyone else is as excited about making art as you are.

4. Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA? Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  I belong to SAQA; my volunteering for them has been limited to sometimes helping out at their information table at Quilt Festival.

5. What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work? Name 5. Name 5 of your least favorite colors? It varies; in general I like vivid colors, like green, blue, red, orange, purple. I rarely use muted pastels, such as mauve, peach, dull greens, off-white. But sometimes they are just the right thing! I never say never.

6. Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less. Are you messy or tidy? My work space upstairs has evolved from a drawing/printmaking studio (in the 80's) to a quilting/sewing/ painting/printing/storing stuff space. I have another smaller space downstairs for strictly handwork, and all my buttons, beads, applique and embroidery threads are stored there, around a comfortable chair. Am I tidy? No.

7. What is your creative process? Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I usually brainstorm first, then make a few rough sketches. Then I head to my fabrics and go from there.

8. Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work? Why?  I used to use a lot of newsprint fabric and leopard fabric in my quilts. These days, I can't think of any particular thing that I repeat over and over.

9. If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? I've always liked David Hockney. He's adventurous, curious, and likes to explore new ideas.  He also loves intense color, like me.

10. Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD? If so, can you tell us the title or titles? No. I have been in some art quilt books, though, such as Quilt Visions 2002 and Embellished Mini Quilts.

11. Do you make art full time? If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? When I'm not making art, I'm making crafts. I have become hooked on knitting and sewing "little" clothing ever since I became a grandma, two years ago. But I've always had one hand in art and the other in craft, from way back.

12. What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? Well, it happened a while ago, but it was a thrill to have been accepted into Quilt Visions 2002. It had been a dream of mine since I began quilting 12 years earlier. Being First Runner Up in IQA's Artistic Expressions was also a big deal, and I got to go to France to claim my prize, but that was in the last millennium.
 

http://www.cindycooksey.com

http://www.cookseyville.blogspot.com/

Artist Profile: Sarah Ann Smith

Sarah Ann Smith

Hope, Maine

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? 1.  Honestly, I struggled with this one!  My first idea was tea:  tea at the laptop in the morning reading the new messages, tea in the evening (decaf!) while reading a book, and maybe dog walkies at midday.  But I was bored with the idea before I began.   Shortly after the theme was announced, I began to exercise again after a nearly-two-year hiatus due to "too much life happening."  I decided to use some of the poses we do (or attempt with only middling success) in that class.
2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects?  I've made small quilts that I donate to various causes, and donated about half the price for a large quilt I did for the local Middle School, "Be Inspired, No. 1" featuring people from U.S. history that inspire the students. 

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group?  Yes, The Frayed Edges.  One of the four of us, Deborah Boschert (also in this exhibit) has since moved away from Maine, but we keep in touch via a private yahoo group and get together on the years Deborah can return to Maine, as well as smaller meetings with the rest of us.  The friendship and the feedback are the best part of this group, whether in person or via the web.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  Yes!  In SAQA and just joined the fundraising committee.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors?  My favorite colors are "Caribbean-inspired:"  aquas, warm greens, fuchsia, warm yellow to papaya, ultramarine.  But if I am working in a nature palette, then I use many greens, browns, blues, with sparkles of warm tones.  Least favorite:  by themselves, anything drab, dingy and muddy....though these are essential in setting off the bright, clear tones that I favor.  Without the tertiaries--the subdued colors--you risk having too much of a candy-colored rainbow.  The clear tones sparkle so much more when set against a toned or shaded background.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy?   Large.  Light.  Alternately tidy and messy (depending on where in the process I am).  Comfortable.  A refuge. All mine!

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design?  Usually a design idea percolates in my head for a long time--my family life is so busy I frequently can't let a quilt out into the cloth as quickly as I would like.  Some quilts require more careful sketching and drafting than others, but usually I have a fairly clear picture in my head before I begin.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?  Sinuous curves, circles, spirals, leaves...and I have no idea why!  I do find that I am much more drawn to organic, curvy shapes than to geometric and straight linear marks and shapes.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?    Winslow Homer--like him I visited the Caribbean and became infected with the colors!  David Hockney--for his use of color and for always pushing the limits and learning new things, for challenging himself.  August Rodin for the passion in his sculptures.  Claire Prebble of NZ for her metalwork in her art garments and costumes. The artists of the Sutton Hoo burial ship.  Clearly I don't follow rules well, either--just one is impossible!

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  I've written ThreadWork Unraveled, all about using thread on your machine for applique, threadwork and quilting, as well as articles for Quilting Arts and Machine Quilting Unlimited magazines.

11.  Do you make art full time?  Yes!  At least as much as I can.  If you have another career, would you describe what you do?  And I'm also mom and wife; used to be a Foreign Service Office in my previous life, and teach and write about quilting.  Happier now.   and how you incorporate art into your life?   I'm not sure how I could NOT have art in my life--inspiration is everywhere, all the time.  Driving our son to school, grocery shopping, even looking at the colors in the laundry basket can inspire.  On days when I am busy (most!), if I don't get to the studio, I at least try to read and think about art and designs--the mind is always going!

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?  It's a three-way tie....winning a ribbon at IQA Houston and when Karey Bresenhan and  Nancy O'Brien Puentes purchased "The Tide is Hire" for the International Quilt Festival collection.   Thanks to everyone at Quilts, Inc., and the IQA for such inspiring shows.  The third and, in the greater picture, the best way:  our two sons' reactions to quilts made for or about them!

www.sarahannsmith.com/weblog

www.sarahannsmith.com

Artist Profile: Pamela Price Klebaum

Pamela Price Klebaum
Ventura, CA

 1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? My design wall hosts two pieces I started and had to suspend. Both are based on the rituals that I follow when creating a design. Lucky me, I will eventually have three Rituals pieces!

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? I have donated work to The House Quilt Project for  military veterans. Creating those pieces made me very content.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group? I am a member of three small art groups, Extreme Quilters (Ventura County), Fibervision (Santa Barbara County), and a group of eight (Ventura County). Cross-fertilization and stimulation are rampant, as is friendship.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? I am a Professional Artist Member of SAQA, and wrote and article for the SAQA Journal. I am also a member of the Surface Design Association.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors? I am in love with Chinese red and ochre. I consider black a color, so I guess I am in love with black, too. That makes three colors -- okay, add bronze and taupe, and those are my five fave colors. Least favorite? Kelly green, Army green, light purple, pink, and pink.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy? My studio is a spare bedroom with a distant view of the Pacific that keeps me calm and usually tidy.

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I just read Jonah Lehrer's book on creativity, and found I am normal in that my design ideas usually pop up when I am in the bathtub, and not actively engaged in art-thinking! My next step is either the sketch pad or the computer or both.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why? I like figure drawing, because my figure drawing instructor was so inspirational. Figures seem to be a recurring central theme, along with digitally transformations photos of my art glass pieces.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? Paul Klee, because of his use of line.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles? No.

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? I don't consider myself a full time artist, but I seem to dedicate most of my days to art. It's a way of being, really. Gardening, entertaining, art seems to drive all decisions.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? I can't get over the fact that people want my work in their homes. That really makes me smile. That, and cashing their checks to buy more stuff. 

http://pamprice.blogspot.com/ 

Artist Profile: Joanell Connolly

Joanell Connolly

Huntington Beach, CA

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?  The wedding ceremony was the theme that came to mind.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects. I am currently  working with Quilts Of Valor.  I make the quilt top, provide the batting and backing, binding and a presentation bag. I have been teamed with a long arm quilter who puts it together.  These quilts are presented to wounded military persons.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  name/where  what is the best part of being part of an art group? Yes, I belong to 2 groups.  I meet the first Friday of each month with a small group.  We bring in dinner, sit, visit, catch up and try to get some sort of art into the gathering.  And I have a group of 5 who meets in my studio every Tuesday morning and will have been meeting every Tuesday for 4 years this May.  I am thankful and thrilled to have  these woman in my life.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  no

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  name 5 and your least favorite colors?  name 5.     Black and other colors is my favorite pallet.  Everything goes with black so I have no least favorites.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  are you messy or tidy?    I have a converted 2 car garage for my studio/work space. Wet and dry projects happen in this space but not at the same time.  I am a messy person.

7.  What is your creative process?  think, draw, design, make or right to the design. I work spontaneously.    A dream, vision, image starts me off, that is all it takes.  I do no draw or plan beyond the stick figure stage and that is subject to change.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?  I like squares - always have.  Last few years I have tried to add the word "peace" to each project (often it is hidden).

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?   Do not have a favorite artist, would be hard to pick one single artist. 

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  no

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  I have been making and selling "stuff" for 25 years.  I did my first art fair in 1988.  What I make has changed but I have been selling what I make with these hands for all those years. 

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?    Truthfully, getting accepted to an exhibit and getting to show my vision.  Thank you Jamie and Leslie - you are my current most thrilling.

Website - joanell.com
Blog - joanellconnolly.blogspot.com

Artist Profile: Jane Davila

Jane Davila

Ridgefield CT

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? I was thinking a lot about rituals and how our own personal rituals (in our family lives, our work lives, our artistic lives, for example) provide structure and a base from which to act or work or create. I always knew that my rituals for this piece would be depicted as bees, but I was doing some heavy-duty, behind-the-scenes thinking of what rituals meant and how they manifest in my life.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? I am delighted to contribute to Virginia Spiegel's drive for FiberArt for a Cause for the American Cancer Society in whatever capacity I can, whenever she holds an event or fundraiser. Too many people in my family have been affected by the scourge of cancer and the ACS is a cause I'm passionate about. 

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group?  I am lucky enough to belong to several. I started FiberArt Northeast in 2006 and we currently have about 35 members. We all live in about an hour or less from NYC in both NY and CT. I also belong to a small group called 8 That Create and the very best part of the group so far has been the internet discussions we have about everything from the creative process to teaching to creative blocks to techniques. 

 

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?    I was the SAQA NY co-representative for almost 2 years. I also belong to the Nature Printing Society.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors?  My favorites tend to be muted tertiary colors, so robin's egg blue, coral, chartreuse, ochre, and lavender, while my least favorites are clear colors closer to primaries (and some secondaries) like kelly green, royal, scarlet, pure yellow, and navy. But really, if a piece needs a color to make it successful, it doesn't matter if I "like" it or not. We all have colors we gravitate toward but all colors are fair game and I can't rule out using any of them.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy?  I can't create in a mess or with visual clutter, so things have to get cleaned up before I can get to work. I'm crazy organized in ideal conditions. 

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? Lots and lots of thinking, some research and word association games, and then thumbnail sketches. I start full-size layouts after the thumbnails are done, but feel free to deviate from them. I view those preliminary sketches as the starting points and then vary things once I start cutting fabric and laying out the composition.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why? There are recurring motifs that I return to again and again - fish, birds, insects and leaves in particular. Natural forms are much more interesting to me, even the geometric shapes in my compositions are nearly always abstractions of landscape and other natural elements. I often express concerns about the state of the environment through these subjects.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? I'm very drawn to the work of the Mexican artist Rufino Tamayo. His work is so expressive and emotional, and his use of color is masterful. He balances the line between abstract and figurative perfectly. I'm also a huge fan of my husband Carlos' work. He's an abstract painter and sculptor and it's amazing to live with another artist working in other media. So invigorating!

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  I wrote two books with my art-partner-in-crime, Elin Waterston (Art Quilt Workbook and Art Quilts at Play) and we taped a dvd together called Jane & Elin Teach You Art Quilt Basics. Plus I wrote a third book on my own called Jane Davila's Surface Design Essentials, all for C&T Publishing. 

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  I consider myself a full-time artist. Although I wear a lot of hats, they are all related to my art - I make art, I teach art quilting and surface design internationally, I have an art quilting, surface design and mixed-media supply website called Flourish and I vend at many national shows, I write books and for magazines (I have a column in Quilting Arts magazine called Minding Your Business), and I am the editor of two digital emagazines for Quilting Arts - In Stitches and Surface Explorations. 

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?  Most thrilling is hard to narrow down! Probably the day that Elin and I received the phone calls that our first book proposal was accepted by C&T, the first publisher we submitted to. More recent thrills include teaching in South Korea and in Australia last year. And any time that someone tells me that one of my classes or one of my books has "changed their life". I LOVE that!!

http://www.janedavila.com
http://janedavila.blogspot.com

Artist Profile: Sherry Kleinman

Sherry Davis Kleinman

Pacific Palisades, California

1.  What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have?  I ran through a number of lifetime milestone events in my mind (births, weddings and so on).  Then I thought about focusing on the more ordinary everyday rituals, like the beauty rituals we all follow in some form or another.  The culture and history of the Japanese Geisha has always fascinated me;  their beauty ritual is so very different from my own.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects?  I donate a 12 x 12 quilt annually to the SAQA fundraiser.  Recently I donated a red, white, and blue stretcher size quilt for the Wounded Warrior Project.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  What is the best part of being part of an art group?  Yes I am part of several art groups.  One is a local group of seven, we call ourselves the Fiber Fanatics.  We meet monthly and share our latest work over lunches at each other's homes. The other groups I belong to focus on creating exhibitions for our work.  One is the California Fiber Artists,  a group that has a wide range of artists throughout the state who make all kinds of fiber art (art quilters, weavers, basket makers).  The other group is a Southern California  art quilt group called Quilts on the Wall.   Each group provides me the double benefits of both Inspirations and friendships.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what?  I am a professional member (PAM) of SAQA.  For the California Fiber Artists, I co-currated a show at the Bakersfield Museum of Art in 2011.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors?  I love bright  and contrasting colors---(they make me happy):  blues, oranges, greens, reds, purples, yellows (yes that is 6---sorry!)  I am not  a fan of neutrals:  browns, grays, beiges.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy?   Creative chaos of crowded table tops (from my studio to the dining room), strewn with parts and pieces of the multiple projects I work on at the same time.  Yes, I am messy.

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design?  Many inspirations have come to me while walking alone with my dog Mac or from photos I have collected.  I do sometimes draw out a plan, but also experiment with cut paper shapes in real size before I move on to fabric.  I have weekly figurative drawing classes from artist models.  Often a pose will "talk" to me, and I create a narrative for the figure to tell a story to the viewer.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why?  Most of my work is figurative, I have been intrigued by the complexities of human form since I was a child.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why?  I love the colors and brush strokes of the geometric abstract Ocean Park series paintings of Richard Diebenkorn.   It is hard to narrow down my favorite figurative artists, but I admire the work of Edward Hopper, Johannes Vermeer, Lucien Freud, and again Richard Diebenkorn.  They each capture in their own way the souls of the people they have painted.  Their figures tell a story to the viewer, create an emotion; something I strive to do.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?    If so, can you tell us the title or titles?  No

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life?  Yes I work happily full time as an artist.   I spent years with art as a hobby while I raised our 3 daughters.  Now in "retirement", I live and breathe art every day in some form.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?  Hearing from Martha Sielman that I have been chosen as one of the featured artists in her upcoming (March 2013) Art Quilts: People and Portraits book.

www.sherrykleinman.com

Artist Profile: Barb Forrister

Barb Forrister
Austin, Texas

 

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? Last year, my sister passed away and I had thought that I might make a piece to honor her memory. However, I find that the grieving process has been difficult and only time heals wounds.

2. Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work? if yes, what project or projects? I have donated my work to the Alzheimers Art Quilt Initiative, American Cancer Society and Austin Fiber Artists. This year, I have been asked to donate a piece for a silent auction to benefit a friend who will be undergoing a heart transplant. I wish her all the best!

3. Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists? yes/no Name/where? What is the best part of being part of an art group? I belong to the Austin Art Bee which includes some of the most amazing women I know! The best part of being a member is that we gather to create art individually and as a group, while supporting each other both in our art and personal endeavors.
4. Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA? Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? I am a professional artist member of SAQA and I have served as Secretary and Vice President for the Austin Fiber Artists.

5. What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work? Name 5. Name 5 of your least favorite colors? I love working with green, red, blue, yellow and brown. Although, I am not fond of pastel colors. I feel that they are essential in letting other colors shine!

6. Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less. Are you messy or tidy? I have a painting studio and a sewing studio. Sometimes, when I am working on projects, I have been known to take over the entire house and create quite a mess!

7. What is your creative process? Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I like to draw and sketch from photographs, then transfer my designs to fabric. However, some pieces are just born spontaneously with a pair of scissors in hand. It really depends on the moment.  

8. Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work? Why? I create nature and wildlife scenes. Consequently, trees are present in much of my work.

9. If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? I love Renoir! The way that he portrays shadows and highlights is absolutely amazing!  

10. Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD? If so, can you tell us the title or titles? I have written an article for Interweave Quilting Arts In Stitches Emagazine Volume V called "3 Dimensional Wildflowers." The article contains photos and accompanying videography on how to create in a dimensional manner. 

11. Do you make art full time? If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? I am a full time, wife, mother and artist. My husband travels frequently and my daughters are teenagers which means that I am often free to create my art.

12. What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? I have begun writing articles, judging quilt shows and teacing classes. I love this part of my life.  

 

www.BarbForrister.com
www.freespiritartstudio.blogspot.com

Artist Profile: Lyric Montgomery Kinard

Lyric Montgomery Kinard

Cary, North Carolina

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? I followed a lot of different ideas but I kept being drawn to all the meaningful and important rituals that involve touching hands.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? I've been involved for the past two years with Virginia Spiegel's fundraisers for the American Cancer society. It became much more meaningful to me as too many friends my own age suffered from breast cancer this past year.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group? Yes, I belong to the Professional Art Quilter's Alliance - South which is regional here in the SE US but mostly meets in the Raleigh/Durham area. I also am blessed with the association of a fabulous group of professional artists/teachers/authors that call ourselves Artspark. We are mostly a mentoring/marketing group that works together on-line to promote and support each other as business women.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? Yes, I do belong to SAQA, but have not volunteered with that group. I founded PAQA-S and have served in quite a few leadership and curatorial positions with that group.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors? Can I say all of them!? Much of my recent work tends to work in monochromatic and sometimes neutral color schemes.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy? My space is often a frenzied dumping ground when my teaching and travel schedule is heavy. I cannot actually create in there unless I organize it first.

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? I'm all over the place - but the design phase is definitely my favorite part of the process. I sketch and doodle a lot.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why? Circles - over and over again. I have no idea why other than that I think they are beautiful and very satisfying.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? Alphonse Mucha, the beautiful posters and illustrations he created have such sinuous lines. Waterhouse is also a favorite painter - as is James Gurney.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles? "Art + Quilt: design principles and creativity exercises" is a basic design manual that is geared towards teaching quilters the basics of the visual alphabet. I also have two technique based DVD workshops: "Surface Design Sampler Platter" and "Bead It Like You Mean It."

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? I am the mother of five children ranging from a college freshman to a kindergardener…. that's about as full-time as a job can get. Now that the littlest one is in school all day I'm able to spend about half of my day in the studio. I find it interesting that most of my actual art-making still happens outside of the studio during hockey or music practices.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? I was named the 2011 Teacher of the Year by the International Association of Professional Quilters. It was a great honor to be recognized by my peers. Publishing a book, creating wearable art for the (now defunct) Bernina Fashion Show - both were life goals that I was surprised to have already achieved at this point in my career.

www.LyricKinard.com

www.LyricKinard.blogspot.com