Artist Profile: Jamie Fingal, co-juror

Jamie Fingal,
Orange, California
co-juror www.jamiefingaldesigns.com

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you? It was a bit of a challenge for me, because I work smaller.  But, I really liked making a square quilt.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it?  My design area is in the middle of my studio with views of my stash wall on one side and an inspiration wall of quilts on the other. My work table was custom made by my handyman - and it is big 6x8 feet, which came in handy for working on my Affinity piece.  The table is covered with wool blended felt, and two Holy Cow Goddess Sheets by Mistyfuse.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on?  It was really big, and it gave me the opportunity to work on a concept I had previously developed for a class based on a quilt that was 18x24.  I could expand my vision to 40x40.  A total a-ha moment.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it?  I go shopping in a mall and/or antique store.  I want to bathe in the colors, patterns and textures.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time?  I work on many projects at the same time, and I really thrive working this way.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work?  I hope it gives them joy.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts?  the best parts are designing, fabric selection and putting it together.  Hand sewing a sleeve on the back is my least favorite part.

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to?  I am a Juried Artist Member of SAQA, belong to the Quilt Alliance and IQA.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why?  I am a member of the vibrant colors club.  Jewel tones, black and whites.  It makes my heart sing to work with these colors. I also have an affection for the combination of red, black and white.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey?  Being published for the first time in Quilting Arts Magazine, and so honored for each article since then. Being a guest on Quilting Arts TV and The Quilt Show.  The formation of Dinner at Eight Artists in 2009. Taking the risk to enter my work in national quilt exhibits. Being a fabric designer. The many amazing people that I have met along the way.  My dream studio where I spend a majority of my time doing what I love will be featured in the Winter issue of Where Women Create!