Artist Profile: Sandra Lauterbach

Sandra E. Lauterbach
Los Angeles, CA
www.sandralauterbach.com           

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you?  Or if this is your first time with us, how did you like the size? The size worked fine.  My larger pieces are usually rectangular in shape.  As this was a square, I had to think differently about the composition.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? Its size and lighting!  We enlarged my son’s old bedroom for my studio and I spent a lot of time working on the floor plan and lighting. My design space is well lit with color correct bulbs.  My worktable is large and at a good height for cutting and ironing.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? “3 ‘Cans” was a switch from my current abstract work of collaging and thread painting on a solid background.  Working with lots of bright printed fabrics was fun.  I smile when I look at the three toucans.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? I find it helpful to take photos of the piece.  It allows me to step back and look at it more objectively.  If that does not give me inspiration, I pin the piece on my design wall and work on something else that day.  Just leaving the piece overnight often results in new creative inspiration when I enter my studio the next day.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? Usually I prefer to work on one piece at a time.  I am not a good multi-tasker.  But sometimes I enjoy working on two totally different types of pieces at the same time. 

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? As in a good story, I hope the viewer is drawn in and intrigued to investigate the piece further and to develop his or her own individual story.  Viewers are necessary to complete my work.  Speaking specifically about “3 ‘Cans”, I hope it brings a smile to its viewers’ faces.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? I love the limitless creative exploration possibilities. I am enthralled by the ability to explore various means of communication and expression combining fiber, paints, metal and photography.  The best part is when everything—my idea, colors, composition, etc.-- comes together seamlessly, almost intuitively.  The frustrating part is when I know it doesn’t work, but can’t figure out what to do. I prefer creating the top to the actual quilting unless it is a major component of the piece.       

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to?  Studio Art Quilt Associates, International Quilt Association, Westside Quilters Guild, The Textile and Fiber Artist List (“TAFA”), Fiber Fanatics, and the Los Angeles Art Association/Gallery 825.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why?  I am drawn to vibrant bright colors.  Perhaps this is a result of being a California native and used to sunshine!   Or perhaps because I was exposed to lots of colorful prints via the family business—Alexander Henry Fabrics.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey?  I started quilting using patterns, but quickly realized that I had an untraditional sense of color, loved to combine unusual prints together and got bored following repetitive patterns.  So one milestone was recognizing this and creating my own designs. Viewing myself as an artist creating art and realizing that quilting had changed from being a hobby to being my vocation was another major step that lead to joining professional organizations and new exhibition opportunities.  Other major milestones have been: joining SAQA, having work at the IQF in Houston, and exhibiting in fine art galleries. Fun milestones were making my first sales!

Artist Profile: Susan Fletcher King

Susan Fletcher King

Houston, Texas

susanfletcherking.com

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you? Yes, it did.  I was so completely in love with the strong vertical that it took me quite a while to start visualizing things in a square format.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? I have a very small studio and it is definitely a multi-tasking space.  My design table is also my sewing table and my painting table.  I love that everything is within reach.  If the work gets too large for that space, I commandeer the dining room table and use it for the duration.  I try not to schedule any formal dinners while the project is all splayed out in my dining room!

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? The bar for this show is constantly being raised higher and I rely on the quilt to tell me what it wants and needs.  This quilt never spoke to me and it was a very lonely project riddled with a lot of anxiety because I had to do it “solo”.  

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it?  I will usually turn my attention to another project until I have resolved the issues that got me stuck.  My brain is still churning over the issue(s), but it is on a semi-conscious level and my conscious brain is focused on something else.  Kind of like switching channels for a while.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time?  I will try and rotate through a number of projects.  As one speaks to me with the loudest voice, it becomes the one I must work on.  When that voice is quiet, another project speaks up and I turn my attention to it.  Sometimes I may work on multiple projects as they all are calling for my attention.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work?  I am always gratified when people have that light bulb moment and really see that a quilt doesn’t have to be on the bed.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt: The best parts of working are when the design in my mind actually matches what I have physically created.  The other best part if I get an auditory response to my work like a gasp or exclamation.   What are your least favorite parts?  What I call “wardrobe malfunctions” – specifically when some process doesn’t go the way I had hoped or anticipated and I have to figure out a new solution – usually very quickly!

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? I am a member of SAQA, the Quilt Guild of Greater Houston and also two small fiber groups also in Houston.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  My initial go to is always on the blue and violet side of the spectrum.  Why? I was born that way???

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey?  Recognizing that a condition which I have called Synesthesia is actually important in my art.  More and more, I am trying to incorporate that valuable “extra perception” in my work.

Artist Profile: Cathie Hoover

Cathie Hoover 
Modesto, CA
www.cathiehooverstudios.com

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you? No, actually the Reflections dimensions (24 x 60) was more of a challenge. This exhibits size offered an opportunity to really explore my concept. 

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? My worktable is a 4' wide, 8' long "cutting" table with a cork top. I copied it from Yvonne Porcella's studio. I love the enormous size of it! I can cut, pin, baste and paint on top of it!

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? Working from your challenge topic is what makes it exciting to me. I spent months trying to come up with a concept, but "Affinity" is a very broad topic; however, when I saw the red barn behind a vineyard full of spring growth, I knew my subject instantly.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? I need time to deal with design blocks. And, these blocks deal with the newness of the design challenge - maybe I don't have the right fabric, or don't feel I can execute what I am trying to do. I love to shop and think about the problem! Then I return home and tackle the "block."

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? I concentrate on one textile project at a time. I have recently become interested in painting with watercolors and using acrylic  ink on fabric. I just hosted a 2-day workshop at my home with Judy Coates-Perez on the use of these inks.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? To be able to appreciate the beauty of a vineyard in the lush of spring growth.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? I have only made a few art quilts and they have all been challenging. I am not a process person; I am in it to finish. When I hold up my finished work, I can hardly believe I created it!

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? I am a member of SAQA, IQA, Quilt Alliance, and a local "Art Focus" group in Modesto, CA.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why? I am always drawn to the lush colors of floral blooms, but have never truly been a fan of green. This quilt of a vineyard has changed my opinion of green. 

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? I have truly enjoyed your Dinner@8 challenges and have seen the most personal artistic growth from participating in two.

Artist Profile: Linda Teddlie Minton

Linda Teddlie Minton

San Antonio, Texas

www.fiberreflections.blogspot.com

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you? I loved it! As much as I enjoyed the "tall & thin" orientation of the previous years' dimensions, this was a refreshing change for me, and allowed the interpretation of the theme that I chose.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it?  My laptop computer in my BCC (Big Comfy Chair) is my primary design area, as I digitally manipulate my photographs. My Dad's old architect's drafting table has become my work table for sketching, painting and dyeing, and I especially love it for its sentimental attachment. 

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? It's the first time I've created a quilt specifically with humor as the subject rather than as a side element. It's also the first time that text has been an essential part of my artwork.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”? How do you overcome it? If I spend too much time on the initial concept, I can sometimes get bogged down in the process, and have to step away for a day or two. If I can't seem to break free of the "bog", I sometimes go ahead and start the project and let it find its own way. Many times, it takes a crazy turn on its own, and in the process becomes something completely different from the original concept ... and that's often a good thing!

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? I usually have one large and several small projects going. This keeps my brain nimble and my body loose. I enjoy working in so many different media that it is stimulating to move from one to the other in the same day.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? I would love it if people see a little bit of themselves in my work. Much of my work may be seen as nostalgic, humorous, emotional, and maybe even a bit sentimental. Social satire may even find its way in from time to time, but only with sneaky subtlety.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? I love digital photo manipulation and surface design, and use both in almost all my art quilts. Dyes and paints are my friends even after the top is quilted, and often "save the day" if I'm not quite satisfied with the finished look. My least favorite? Facing a quilt ... I always enjoyed hand-stitching the bindings on traditional quilts, but I really love the look of facings on art quilts, so I bite the bullet and face them.

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? FiberVoices, a small art-quilt group.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why? Like many artists, my preferred palette changes sometimes. I still love the yummy citrus colors of tropical summers, but lately have been drawn to combinations of black/cream/rust. I couldn't in a million years tell you why.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? Attending my first Houston International Quilt Festival many years ago was an eye- and mind-opening experience that started my journey. Purchasing my first longarm quilting machine was the second milestone, but the most important one was being a founding member of the small art quilt group, FiberVoices in 2008. The members of this group have continually nurtured, supported and inspired me through the years that we have been together.

Artist Profile: Rachel King Parris

Rachel King Parris
Birmingham, Alabama

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you?  I had a hard time because of lack of space on my design table and in the harp of my machine.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? My design area is new and wonderful. Sweet husband remodeled the back of the garage as a studio for me. I have been amazed at how quickly I have filled the space. The only real drawback I have is that my design table is inadequate for a project this size. However that will be remedied as soon as our carpenter friend can fit me into his schedule.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? The size of this quilt is way outside my comfort zone. Although my quilts tend to be very personal to me, I felt very deeply connected to the theme of this one.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? I usually consult with friends and mentors online. Also, I try to read blogs and books by quilters who talk about related problems. If all else fails, I just walk away from the project for a while.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? I tend to work one project to completion.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? I hope people will appreciate my growth as an art quilter. I also hope they can see me in my work.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? The best parts are finding inspiration for the starting point. For me, this usually involves looking through photographs, reading poetry, listening to friends talk, even journaling. The next best is when I begin to see the pieces coming together on the design wall. My least favorite parts continue to be forcing a large quantity of fabric through my machine when free motion quilting. Things happen that I can’t see until I get it all smoothed out and then it requires a major fix. The binding continues to be my least favorite part.

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? I am a member of International Quilt Association, and The quilt Alliance

9. Do you have a preferred color palette? My first response is almost automatic: purples, and pinks. However, I have enough work to look back on now, and really I seem to use a lot of blues, yellows, browns and greens. I love color and am trying to pay closer attention now to selecting palettes.  
 
10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? My most interesting milestones so far have been discovering the world of the IQF in Houston and finding an ever-growing circle of just amazing friends. My Second “milestone” would be the making of my quilt, The Ordinary Day. It was the first time I ever felt like I had actually gotten it right. It was very affirming to me.

Artist Profile: Loris Bogue

Loris Bogue
Simi Valley, California www.lorisbogue.com
1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you?  I enjoyed the size change.  It didn't present any challenges for me.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? Years ago I sold a collection of blue Wedgwood Jasperware my aunt left me and used the proceeds to buy a large cutting table with drawers and folding leaves.  The best part is the height and surface area, and the fact that I can fold the leaves down if I need to.  I also have a large piece of flannel-covered insulation as a design wall.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? I've been taking art classes recently, so I used paint on this quilt, something I hope to do more of in the future.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? To get over a block, I look through my digital photographs for inspiration.  Or for a themed exhibit such as this one, I might search the Internet for ideas related to the definition of the theme.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time?  I work on a single project at a time; however I do have an inventory of unfinished pieces!

6. What do you hope people take away from your work?  I hope that people remember our Founding Fathers and the sacrifices they made in order to form a new country.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? The best part for me is trying to incorporate a novel technique into my artwork, or to let a technique inspire an idea.  My least favorite part is adding a label and a sleeve!

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to?  Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) and a group of eight women who meet six times a year to share our art and art quilts.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why?  I love green.  There are more variations of green than any other color.  That's probably why I love it.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? Whenever my work is in a show; that's a milestone!

Artist Profile: Julie Schlueter

Julie Schlueter

Orange, CA 

1. Did the change in dimensions present any specific challenges for you?  I like square quilts and I like working in this size.  It was refreshing.

2. Describe your design area, specifically your work table:  what is the best thing about it? It’s cramped so it tends to get messy.  I move to another part of the house, like the kitchen table or TV room floor, and I have the space and elbow room to design, stand back and look, and design some more.

3. What set this quilt apart from other recent projects you have been working on? The extreme amount of handwork.  The inside piece is all done by hand and the surrounding area is all done by machine.

4. When you get “stuck” how do you deal with a “design block”?  How do you overcome it? Take a photo and either rework it, add to it or scrap it.  Once in a while I will pick something up I have scrapped and keep going.

5. Do you work on single or multiple projects at the same time? Multiple.  It is easy on the brain to move around and work on other areas of design or fabric manipulation or stitch.

6. What do you hope people take away from your work? A creative outlook.  I am moved to create by seeing others’ work.

7. What are the best parts of working on an art quilt:  What are your least favorite parts? I love, love fabric and all things fiber.  Whatever I do, it will have some form of fiber and/or stitch within it.  Least favorite part is the amount of time involved. Carrying out the design can get overwhelming, but I am so thankful when I see the finished product.

8. What art/quilt-related organizations do you belong to? None at the moment.  I am starting a 2-D art class at the end of August so that will keep me busy and advance my fiber design.  I stay in touch with the artists that I used to be in a group with.  They spur me on and inspire me.

9. Do you have a preferred color palette?  Why?  I tend toward the red, yellow, green analogous colors, but some of my fiber art pieces have the full color wheel.  I seem to be attracted to the red, yellow, green palette.  Maybe it’s because I sit in front of many traffic lights in So Cal traffic.

10. What do you regard as your most interesting milestones along your art journey? I think that is coming.  I am excited to learn more about creating art in general, maybe even get a undergrad degree, then go back to learning under a particular masterful fiber artist I admire.