Artist Profile: Lauretta Crites

Lauretta Crites

Glendora, California

www.LaurettaCrites.com

1. How do you describe yourself? I'm a maker, a creator, a problem solver. I get turned on by creating things, to me it doesn't matter so much the end "what", it could be an art quilt, it could be a tote bag or a garden or a tile backsplash. I love working and playing with my hands, I enjoy solving the puzzle of each challenge and then I like knowing this object this something is in the world because I was here.

 

2. What is your creative process?  These days in order to focus and have the structure to complete an art quilt I need a deadline and a theme so, I go for challenges. With the challenge's parameters for size or theme or starting fabric to guide me, I then move on to an artistic goal, something I want to explore... like achieving a particular sense of lighting or for this years piece working with visual scale and alternative materials. Then I start experimenting. 

3. Describe your studio space.  I am blessed with a 2 car garage size fully finished studio space with tons of natural light. My cutting table is 4' x 8' and was built to my specifications with seating area on one side and elfa racks with drawers for my fabrics underneath. It's hard to see the walls as they are nearly covered with Quilts, UFO's, ribbons and cork boards layered thick with photos and cards and clippings of things that make me happy.

4. What's your signature style?  My work is representational, but I'm not sure I've got a signature style as of yet. I still like exploring. 

 

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do?  Of course!

 

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal?  I do both, off and on. Most days my journaling is limited to notations in my planner but I do much better on vacations and when I'm away from home. I'm taking part in a 30 day journaling challenge next month which I'm hoping will get me in the habit of journaling daily.

 

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 my own "Lauretta Crites Designs" pattern line and I sell my patterns and other products at quilt shows the booth, which I co-own with quilter Cindy Myers, is named "A Couple Of Old Broads". I also sell my patterns online at my website LaurettaCrites.com.

 

8. Do you teach? I do most of my teaching in the summer when the Quilt shows slow down. I do have one class in that time period. Feb 12, 2017 Visioning on Fabric, Flying Geese Quilters Guild, Irvine, CA

 

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?

Nov 3-6, 2016 "White Lace on Red Velvet" d@8 exhibit, "Patterns". IQA Festival, Houston

I'll be vending at the following shows as "A Couple of Old Broads"

Oct 6-8, 2016 Quiltfest, Palm Springs, CA

Oct 13-15, 2016 Pacific International Quilt Festival, Santa Clara, CA

Jan 19-22, 2017 Road to California, Ontario, CA

Feb 17-19, 2017 Tucson Quilters Guild, Tucson, AZ

Mar 24-25, 2017 Quilt Arizona, Mesa, AZ

 

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time?  This is the 2nd year I've been fortunate enough to be invited to participate. It's been a thrill to have my work accepted into this exhibit and to be included in such an amazing group of talented women. 

 

Do you have a special memory about Yvonne Porcella that you would like to share with us?  I met Yvonne for the 1st time at Festival in 2014 she was a featured artist that year with a large display of quilts she re-created just for the exhibit, but I didn't know that. I was drawn to her as a fellow survivor. Her battle was clear by her beanie but her spirit is what drew me to her like a magnet. Yvonne radiated joy and an iron will beneath the frail exterior. We were granted a miraculous bubble of time during that show to get to know each other and I am so grateful for the opportunity get to bask in her beautiful spirit.