Artist Profile: Jamie Fingal

Jamie Fingal
co-curator

Orange, California
www.JamieFingalDesigns.com

1.  Describe your signature style in 5 words: Fun, bright, sassy, complicated, whimsical

2.  Do you ever work in another medium and, if so, what is it and what appeals to you about it?  I enjoy painting with watercolors, collage with paper and fabric, and decoupage.  I believe in working in these other mediums helps me in my journey as a fiber artist.

3.  What's coming up for you in your artistic world?  So excited that my second line of stencils were launched this month with StencilGirl Products, going to be a guest on QATV and Teaching at Quilter's Take Manhattan in NYC in September, Article in Quilt Scene, Second fabric line coming out at Fall Quilt Market, and teaching at Festival. Life is good.

4.  Do you have any studio rituals?  I thank my Dad, upon entering my studio for his generosity.  If he were here, he would love it, almost as much as I do. I open the truck door and turn on the music!  The day begins.

5.  Who has inspired you on your artistic journey?   Yvonne Porcella, Freddy Moran, the artists in our exhibits, and Leslie Tucker Jenison with our text messages and critiques.

6.  What are the 5 essential things in your studio that you cannot live without?  Havel's Scissors, Mistyfuse, BERNINA sewing machines, iPhone, Iron

7.  What is on your design table right now?   Prep work for step outs for QATV

8.  How do you juggle your artistic life, family, friends, etc?   I think that having my studio outside my house helps me to stay balanced.  It's a job that I go to Mon-Fri and have the weekends off for family.  I still enjoy cooking dinner every night.  I try to have lunch with friends at least once a week.

9.  Do you have any studio companions (human or otherwise)?  I have a Godzilla squeak toy that my husband gave me before we were married.  And a red knitted beaver who guards the stash. Barbies and a talking Ken, which every girl needs.

10.  What was the biggest challenge in creating your piece for Reflections?  First idea didn't photograph well, but found that out early on.  Second piece was a bit of a challenge in sewing it together with 31 pieces.