About
I began creating traditional quilts many years ago, but was never satisfied. I always wanted to change patterns and create my own designs. I treasure the traditional quilts from my grandmother, mother and the ones I made. I love their beauty; I know that the fabric and materials were hard to acquire; and many hours were spent hand quilting them. But, I still lean to the contemporary art side. I took classes and learned to dye, print, stamp, burn, weave, twist, screen print, paint and ink fabric. I make fabric beads and collect embellishments such as stray earrings, broken jewelry, buttons, shells, and found objects.
I joined the Contemporary Fiber Artists of Louisiana and served as president. I joined the International Quilt Association and Studio Art Quilt Association. It was an opportunity to meet art quilters from all over the world. Two years ago, I exhibited, by invitation, a traditional quilt that I designed at the International Quilt Festival in Houston.It was published in Lark’s “500 Traditional Quilts”. My goal is to do the same with my art quilts. I exhibit my art quilts in galleries from Louisiana to Minnesota. I have sold my art locally and through my website. One of my art pieces was juried into an exhibit called "Reflections" with SAQA at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. I have had my art juried into the “Brush with Burden" exhibit and LSU’s "Compact Competition 20 by 20".
I teach workshops to local guilds and vend at fiber related venues through Mississippi and Louisiana where I sell my hand dyed fabric (silk, cotton, linen, cheesecloth and burlap) and art quilts. I demonstrate surface design techniques and give lectures such as printing on fabric, making fabric beads, creating fabric collages, silk screening, and gelli plate printing.
I have created many pieces with my photos on fabric. “Sunshine and Shadows” is in a private collection. One side was a forest scene on a summer day with my photo of a blue heron printed on it. The other side was a forest floor with leaves silk screened and discharged. The art quilt, "American Lotus" also has my photos as the focus. I grew the American Lotuses, photographed and printed them on cotton, silk and organza. I created a collage showing the stages of growth from bud to flower to dry seedpod. I have mastered many techniques, but I never stop trying new ones.
I have expanded my art to include collages and photography. They all work well together. I hope you enjoy looking at my art. I want you to feel the emotions I experience when I am creating.