The Quilt & Textile Patchwork Professional

This is so exciting to have Dinner at Eight Artists be featured in this German publication!  We are so honored!  Beyond thrilled!  Click here if you are interested in purchasing a copy of this publication

Table of Contents

The start of our Q&A - Leslie's work on the left - Amsterdam Alley

Talking about Dinner at Eight Artists, and pictured are quilts that we have made for d@8

and a selection of works by artists in our exhibitions. Top Left to Right - Sarah Ann Smith (Affinity), Cynthia St. Charles (Affinity), Loris Bogue (Beneath the Surface, Cathie Hoover (Patterns). Lower Left to Right - Lyric Kinard (Reflections), Cindy Cooksey (Reflections), Susan Brubaker Knapp (Rituals), Kathy York (Beneath the Surface), Susan Fletcher King (Patterns)

Artist Profile: Suzan Engler

Suzan Engler

Panorama Village, Texas

www.suzanengler.com

1. How do you describe yourself?  I am a digital and fiber artist, nurturer of plants and people, lover of chocolate.
 

2. What is your creative process? I often start with a photo or an idea and challenge myself to discover the various ways that I could portray the subject matter in the photo. I prototype on the computer because it gives a fast way to generate and explore variations. For my Dinner@8 Patterns entry, once I settled on using a fractal as the basis of a pattern, I generated at least 40 different fractals in a variety of fractal types, styles, colors, and textures.  This lead to settling on one for Dinner@8, but the exploration has lead to several other projects as well.

3. Describe your studio space.  First, let me say I love my label maker.  My studio is small but highly organized into well-labeled boxes and drawers.  I hate wasting time looking for things. 

4. What's your signature style? How long did it take you to find your style when you first started making art quilts?  I first started making art quilts in 2010 after seeing an exhibit at IQF Houston.  I have a background as a computer analyst and an architectural designer so designing on the computer seemed only natural for me. I continue to investigate ways to digitally create artwork.

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do?  I want to explore 3D and encaustic as it relates to fiber art. 

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal?  I take photos and notes on my phone since it is always with me.  In turn, those go into a folder on my computer for inspiration.  My computer background is a slideshow of those images.

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?  While I have done collaborative work with other artists, there is no website to document this work. 

8. Do you teach?  I do not have a regular teaching schedule but I occasionally lecture on principles of design and using the computer as a design tool.

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? In addition to the Dinner@8 exhibit in Houston, my work is on display at IQF Houston World of Beauty, Houston Texas, SAQA Tranquility debuting at IQF Houston, and Quilts=Art=Quilts at Schweinfurt Art Center, Albany, New York.  

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time?  This is my second year to have work in Dinner@8, I am so thrilled be included!

Do you have a special memory about Yvonne Porcella that you would like to share with us?  I never met Yvonne in person but felt that I knew her warm and creative essence through her many interviews.  Her book, Six Color World, was one of the first art quilting books that I purchased. 

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.

Artist Profile: Valerie C. White

Valerie C. White

Denver, Colorado

www.valeriecwhite.com

1. How do you describe yourself?   I think of myself as a serious mixed media artist, I feel my best work is still ahead of me... 

 

2. What is your creative process? I like to begin with a basic idea often motivated by a walk , a museum visit , travel, or pushing an existing idea...Then on to the next step of sketching and recording those preliminary ideas which includes color considerations. Eventually,I find a palette that satisfies and expresses the idea. 

 

3. Describe your studio space.  A sanctuary is the best way to describe my studio space. It's peaceful... I have continued to tweak the space and it seems to get better . I do wish I had room for an additional table for wet work. What I find works best for my creative spirit is good organization, sounds like a no brainier, but it's so much nicer to be able to put your hands on a tool immediately rather than wasting time looking.

 

4. What's your signature style? How long did it take you to find your style when you first started making art quilts? I have spent a lot of time discovering my voice... early on I was attracted to the newest gadgets and and all related textile supplies/ stuff. Finally, I realized that I needed to acquire some real skills in the a media that I found best expressed my work..Not to say you cant find new ways of expressing the work but its hard when you are all over the board. Finding your passion and sticking with it ensures good work.

 

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do? I have been very fortunate, I have had my work exhibited all over the world. However there are still a few venues that I would like to exhibit.

 

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal? Yes, I love the idea of keeping a sketch book, having a place to record thoughts and new idea, that can be reviews and documented provides a nice launching pad for later work.

 

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 haven't done any collaborative projects However, I do enjoy exhibiting with small groups when there is a theme that interests me.

 

8. Do you teach?  Yes, this past year has been very busy for me I provided classes and lectures across the country.... I haven't committed to teaching for 2017

 

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?  I'm currently preparing for a solo exhibit in San Diego, California at The Visions Art Museum, January 2016. In addition to participating in a special exhibit to celebrate Bishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Lea  October, 2016 in Cape Town, South African, in conjunction with Michigan University.    

 

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time?  This is my second exhibit in an Dinner@8 exhibit.It is an honor to have my work exhibited with the Dinner@8 artist.

 

Do you have a special memory about Yvonne Porcella that you would like to share with us? I didn't have the pleasure of meeting her but it was her work that always made me smile... I felt her work spoke volume's about her fun personality.

Artist Profile: Cheryl Sleboda

Cheryl Sleboda

Plainfield, IL

www.muppin.com

1. How do you describe yourself?  I'm a fiber artist and quilter who specializes in texture and technology.  I'm a comic book industry executive by day and an art quilter by night. 

 

2. What is your creative process?  My process starts with sketches and then evolves from there to auditioning fabrics.   This quilt was built that way from a drawing in my notebook about 2 inches across and built on the design wall with each color layer.

 

3. Describe your studio space.  I have two rooms in my home that are converted to studio space.  One is the working art studio and the other is a video studio for my social media.

 

4. What's your signature style? How long did it take you to find your style when you first started making art quilts?  My style developed through my weekly quilt project that I started in 2007, which you can see on my website.  By working weekly and small, I was able to hone my skills to create the works I make now.  

 

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do?  I have a whole bucket list of things I'd love to do.  I've yet to be on the cover of a magazine, write a book, or design fabric, and I'd like to do all those things.  By putting those out there, hopefully they will manifest.

 

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal?  I keep both a paper journal and sketchbook.  I love putting pen to paper.  The journal is also my calendar which is really important, and I would be lost without it. 

 

 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: DVD called "Heirloom Sewing Techniques for Today's Quilter. YouTube channel, hosting "Technique of the Week" can be found at https://www.youtube.com/ user/muppindotcom .I teach art business techniques through F+W Media webinars also

 

8. Do you teach?  Sept 15-16, 2016 – Palmetto Quilt Guild, Hilton Head, SC

Oct 29-31, 2016 – Quilt Market – Houston, TX

Nov 1-6, 2016 – International Quilt Festival – Houston, TX

Nov 8, 2016 – Gazebo Quilters’ Guild – Huntley, IL

Jan 19, 2017 – Northwest Suburban Quilters Guild, Arlington Heights, IL

February 9-11, 2017 – Salt Creek Quilt Guild – Western Springs, IL

Feb 21-22, 2017 – Venice Area Quilt Guild – Venice, FL

Feb 23-25, 2017 – Ladies of the Lake Quilters Guild – Lakeland, FL

March 18-19, 2017 – Fresno Fiber Arts Guild – Fresno, 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?  Dinner@8 - Nov 1-6, 2016 – International Quilt Festival – Houston, TX

 

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time?  This is my second time exhibiting with d@8.  I'm so thrilled!

Artist Profile: Cathie Hoover

Cathie Hoover

Modesto, California

www.CathieHooverStudios.com 

1. How do you describe yourself?

Well educated woman in the field of human sciences. I have always felt drawn to fiber art and attended workshops whenever I can.

 

2. What is your creative process?

To start with a vague idea and challenge myself in figuring out how to produce a finished quilt I can be proud of. I plan very little!

3. Describe your studio space.Large room with 4 ft x 8 ft high cutting table in the center covered with cutting mats. Square "open cubbies" for fabric storage. Design wall at one end of cutting. Lots of good light.

4. What's your signature style? How long did it take you to find your style when you first started making art quilts? I don't really have a signature style! Over the last 2 -3 years, I have been moving from a traditional quilter to an art quilter.

 

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do?  I will write a book on several of my unique techniques, even if I self publish!

 

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal? No

 

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 written and published 4 patterns that I sell on my website and in select quilt shops.

 

8. Do you teach? Yes, I teach workshops. In September in La Habra, CA ; October in Tulare, CA, and Marin, CA; November in Orange, CA; and I have multiple booking in 2017 in Southern 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? October at Pacific International Quilt Festival; November at Quilt Festival in the member show and dinner@8 "Patterns." 

 

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time? I submitted three years in a row and was accepted into all three shows!

Do you have a special memory about Yvonne Porcella that you would like to share with us? We met in 1980 when I took her workshop on painting fabric and constructing a vest from it. She allowed me to measure her cutting table in her Modesto, CA, studio, which my cabinet maker reproduced for my new studio in 1984. Yvonne traveled to Europe with my husband and I when her husband health issues prevented him from accompanying her. We were like three siblings who loved each other as we traveled to various European destinations over the last 8 years. These included Barcelona, Amsterdam, Paris, Leon, and a cruise of the Baltic Yvonne taught on. She was a close friend and mentor.

Artist Profile: Sarah Ann Smith

Sarah Ann Smith
Hope, Maine
sarahannsmith.com
 
1. How do you describe yourself?  Artist. Author. Quilter. Teacher. Mother. Wife.

2. What is your creative process?  Sometimes inspiration strikes in an instant, other times it takes a while for the image to become clear in my head.  Then I begin to work.  The challenge is either finding time to make all of them, or sorting the best from the others and working on just the best of what rattles around inside my brain.

3. Describe your studio space.  Large, light despite being in the basement.  But who knew that 20 feet of closet/storage isn’t enough? It’s set up in zones: standard machine, mid-arm sit down machine, cutting table, ironing, seating, storage (behind the design walls that serve as closet doors).  

4. What's your signature style? How long did it take you to find your style when you first started making art quilts?  Really, my style—representational with lots of quilting and color--found me.  And my friends recognized a piece as distinctively “Sarah” long before I did!  I have no idea how long it took.

5. Are there artistic endeavors you are yet to do?  Yes…photography and messing around in my sketchbook support my art quilting.  

6. Do you keep a sketchbook and/or journal?  Yes with a caveat:  I found that having my “to do list” notebook and a separate sketchbook wasn't working for me. Wherever I was, I wanted the other one.  So I put both into one journal and sometimes it is “to do” lists, sometimes doodles, sometimes actual sketching (though not as often as I would like).

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?  Yes!  ThreadWork Unraveled is a basic reference on how to use thread on a sewing machine.  DVD:  Art Quilt Design from Photo to Threadwork, with Fabric Collage and Machine Quilting, a Quilting Arts Workshop. And many articles published including in Machine Quilting Unlimited and Quilting Arts and included in many, many books (lucky me!).

8. Do you teach? Teaching for Q.U.E.S.T. quilt guild in Little Rock Arkansas October 10-11, 2016 and a very busy schedule with seven classes/events at International Quilt Festival Houston 2016, from Monday through Saturday.

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?  Solo show, the Picker Room, Camden Public Library, Camden, Maine, September 1-30, 2016; Whistler House Museum of Art, Lasting Impressions exhibit, Lowell, Mass:  “Bijagos Warrior” and “Conversations 1” on exhibit through late September; SAQA’s Food for Thought exhibit, “Insalata”:  Temple Railroad & Heritage Museum in Temple, Texas - January 31, 2017 through April 1, 2017; Milkweed No. 1, A World of Beauty, IQF Houston, October/November 2016; a matter of time textiles exhibit, “Milkweed No. 2”:    Nautilus Art Centre, Port Lincoln, South Australia: 26 September – 21 October 2016, Craft & Quilt Fair, Adelaide: 3-6 November 2016. Curator floor talk at 12.30pm on Thursday, 3 November only, Millicent Gallery, Millicent, South Australia: 1 -31 December 2016, Gosford Regional Gallery, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia 18 February -23 March 2017.  Opening at 6.30pm on Friday, 17 February 2017, Inspired by the national Parks exhibit, “Acadia:  Snowy Owl” touring as follows: Jul. 26 - Sept. 10, 2016: Virginia Quilt Museum (Harrisonburg, VA), Sept. 21 - Oct. 5, 2016: Lake Metroparks Farmpark (Kirtland, OH) Oct. 19-22, 2016, Machine Quilter's Exposition (Springfield, IL); Early Jan., 2017:  Oklahoma City Winter Quilt Show (Oklahoma City, OK),  Jan. 22 - Feb. 25, 2017, The Barns of Rose Hill (Berryville, VA), March 1 - 3, 2017: Indiana Heritage Quilt Show (Bloomington, IN); “Mr. Wiggles Does the Circle Dance” in the Dare to Dance exhibit, also at various locations, please see http://www.marywkerr.com/daretodance.html.  

10. How many years have you had your work in d@8 exhibits, or is this your first time?  I am astounded and thrilled that this is my seventh consecutive d@8 exhibit; I have been part of all but the first exhibit.

Do you have a special memory about Yvonne Porcella that you would like to share with us?  Two years ago at the d@8 Friday night supper in  Houston, I found myself across the table from Yvonne and got to spend the entire evening chatting with her!   What an indomitable woman!