Artist Profile: Stacy Hurt

Stacy Hurt
Orange, CA
www.stacyhurt.com

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you? Yes, the square is not one of my favorite design elements but I was happy to have the challenge.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? I have a design wall that I will not live without. It is essential for me to be able to step back let the design ‘rest’ for a bit.  This allows freedom to play with the elements until I’m satisfied. I give up premium wall real estate in my house for this.  

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? Everything! The square shape, the magical realism; the muted fall colors, the minimalist beading. It was such a personal piece for me I feel like my soul is in each fiber.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? I remind myself that even though I think I see the final design in my head; it may not end up that way and I need to let that pragmatic approach go.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? Very often it’s multiple.  I’m extremely lucky to have lots of commissioned work so I tend to always have at least two to three projects working at the same time.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? I leave that up to them.  I make the work I need to make and if others enjoy it that is a total bonus. It’s thrilling to be  included in fabulous collections like this one!  

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? If it’s for a show I love entertaining ideas for the theme.  If it’s for a customer the joy of getting to know them and design something they will love. If it’s for myself, making something experimental!           

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? Modern Quilt Guild; American Quilters Society; First Friday Artists.  

9. Do you have a preferred color palette? I am still in love with Black and White for art quilts. However my beaded projects are an explosion of color and texture. Why?  I get the best of both worlds that way.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? Discovering new mediums to work in. I never would have imagined I could paint but in working with acrylic calligraphy inks on lettering; I’ve learned techniques that allow me to paint other objects as well. I have also learned to never give up; even the smallest misstep can become the greatest point of interest.