Artist Profile: Karol Kusmaul

Karol Kusmaul
Inverness, FL 
http://www.kquilt.com   
        
1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you?  Or if this is your first
time with us, how did you like the size? I like the square format.  40 by 40” is larger than I
usually make, but I do enjoy larger art pieces.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? I work
on a vertical design wall so I can get some distance . . .  It is flannel covered insulation board, so it’s pinnable and grabs cotton fabrics.  What I like best is that my work is there so I can see it every day and tweak as needed.  I hand applique mostly on my kitchen counter.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? This piece is kind of like four pieces in one, and it is a color scheme I don’t normally use.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it?  Say, “What if . . . ?”  Have no fear.  Try something unexpected.  Follow Art principles.  Get input from others.  Look at it sideways or upside down.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? Multiples upon multiples.  At the moment I have several customer quilts on my list, as well as class samples, various SAQA challenges, calls for entry, and many unfinished art quilts.  I WILL get caught up one day.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? Joy in pattern.  The power of contrast.  Appreciation for fabric. The stories my quilts tell.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? The inspiration and design process are the most fun for me.  I enjoy doing slow handwork as well as fast machine quilting.  I struggle with naming some pieces, and wish I didn’t have to make labels, binding, sleeves, and photograph each piece. Even though I use a tripod, I hold my breath when trying to get everything lined up!

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? Studio Art Quilt Associates, Florida Craft Art Gallery member, Citrus County Crafters

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why? I enjoy many different color schemes, and my favorite one changes all the time.  I enjoy looking at paintings from the past, and using colors that Master artists have chosen.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? 1. Receiving compliments on my drawings as a child   2. Watching small children making art (as a teacher)   3. Jumping from elementary to high school level as an art teacher!  Teaching college level Advanced Placement Art courses   4.  Getting to see art in several Paris museums   5. Retiring and having time to work on my fabric Art.  Seeing my work all together in solo exhibits.