Artist Profile: Kathy York

Kathy York
Austin, TX
www.aquamoonartquilts.blogspot.com

1. How do you describe yourself?  I am an artsy type who loves cats and my kids.  I have a real fondness for bicycles and Netflix (but not at the same time).

2. What is your creative process?  I think up an idea, and then I make it.  Sometimes I work on more than one idea at the same time.

3. Describe your studio space.  My studio is a lovely room that is just the right size with the right amount of light.  Every piece of furniture is designed to glide easily over my hardwood floor so that I can rearrange my space as needed for different projects.  In addition to the expected things for sewing, I also have a small couch, TV, computer and a small sink.

4. What's your signature style? How long did it take you to find your style when you first started making art quilts?  My signature style has a lot of color and my original batik fabrics.  I use a collage style to form an image with Mistyfused fabrics.  I use a lot of machine quilting and frequently use hand stitching with embroidery floss.  I don't know how long it took me to find my style and I don't always use my signature style.

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do?  I am learning to play with watercolors and mixed media and loving it.

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal?  I like to sketch ideas as they come to me and play with paint on a daily basis, usually on separate pages that are later bound into a journal.

7. Being published is important to artists, so do you have any instructional dvd's, author of books, YouTube channel, have a website with other artists for collaborative projects?  I have been published in a lot of books and magazines and a Quilting Arts DVD.  I write a blog, which I keep updated with my latest works and I occasionally publish short videos with sewing tips on my blog.

8. Do you teach?  I am not teaching.

9. Having your work in juried, invitationals, and solo shows is a great way to get your name out there. Where can people see your work? 
 Live Your BRIGHTEST Life: A Tribute to Yvonne Porcella,  "Quilting in the Garden", Alden Lane Nursery in Livermore, CA, September 24-25, 2016.

Referencing Fiber, Austin Fiber Artists, Pflugerville Library, Pflugerville, TX Sept 23 - Nov 11, 2016

Austin Area Quilt Festival, Austin TX, Sept 16 – 18, 2016

Inspired by Color: Art Quilts by Kathy York, International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX Nov 3-6, 2016

Tranquiltity, SAQA, International Quilt Festival, Houston, TX Nov 3-6, 2016

Wild Fabrications, SAQA, George A. Spiva center for the Arts, Joplin, MO Jul 16-Sep 4, 2016

Museum of York County, Rock Hill, SC Oct 8, 2016-Feb 26, 2017

Grace Hudson Museum, Ukiah, CA Mar 25, 2017-Jun 25, 2017

Earth Stories, SAQA, Huntington Museum of Art, Huntington, WV Jun 25, 2016-Oct 2, 2016

Erie Museum of Art, Erie, PA Jan 20, 2017-Jun 11, 2017

Radical Elements, SAQA, International Museum of Art and Science, McAllen, TX Sep 24, 2016-Jan 8, 2017

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time?8

Do you have a special memory about Yvonne Porcella that you would like to share with us?

The first time I saw her work, I felt like I had found a kindred spirit.  It was very liberating and joyful and allowed me to give myself permission to play with shapes and colors.  Though I never met her, she holds a very special place in my heart as one of my very first inspiring quilt artists!