Quilting Arts Magazine Fall 2022

IT’S TAKEN A LIFETIME, but at this point in my artistic journey it feels like I’ve tried my hand at nearly every art or craft. Yes, that’s an exaggeration, but when you consider I was born with a needle in one hand, a pencil in the other, and inherited the tendency to hoard art supplies from my mom, the only crafts left on the list involve large equipment and fire (no weaving or welding in my future!). Some of the artists featured in this issue of QUILTING ARTS share my passion for delving into multiple art forms, while others are more single-minded in their approach. Whichever category you fit in, I’m sure you’ll agree: every time you test the waters in a different medium, you learn something new. It is for…

In early July, we asked QUILTING ARTS readers a question on Facebook: How do you document or capture inspiration for your art quilts? A. I draw in a sketchbook. B. I take still photographs. C. I take video. D. All of the above! E. Other (please explain) Survey Says… Over 2 ⁄3—about 68%—of respondents said B; they take still photographs. “I love taking photos of angles and odd shapes. I like to catalog them for inspiration when working on a piece,” said Marianne Frasca-Troccoli. The next highest percentage of respondents—about 16%—said they use multiple techniques from the list and it was too difficult/impossible to choose just one! “D plus Pinterest,” said Sally Gould Wright. Next, at 11%, was A; they draw in a sketchbook—but one artist also said, “I like to say I sketch it out and plan the…

Shoni Maulding grew up in commercial beekeeping and is avid about managing for pollinators. In 2012, she received a lifetime achievement award for hitched horsehair from the Academy of Western Artists. Her current passions are creating multi-medium buffalo art and hunting for vintage Army blankets to honor her American Indian uncles who were veterans. hitchedhorsehair.com Linda Teufel is currently a member of the 2023 Quilt National committee. She retired as publisher and founder of Dragon Threads, which produced textile arts books. With a BFA in Fashion Design, Linda is proficient in all the needle arts from sewing and quilting to knitting. Photography is also a passion and Linda has exhibited her work in several shows. She lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her family. Mel Beach is a San Jose, California-based quilt artist, teacher,…

do you brake for “Open Studio” signs? Maybe you have been collecting studio inspiration for years as you drive by abandoned factories and dream of initiating an urban renewal project. Or you might fantasize about working in a space filled with light, room for a gallery shop, and close proximity to dozens of other creatives. That description fits many artists. However, making those dreams a reality takes years of dedication, hard work, expertise in everything from interior design to negotiation to grant writing, and a whole lot of good karma. Meet Jane Davila, a mixed-media and quilt artist whose new studio is a precious pearl within the shell of a once-abandoned three-story corset factory in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The background of the building was a big part of the appeal for Jane.…

every artist hopes their work makes an impact on the viewer and leaves them with something memorable that transcends that first impression and keeps them engaged long after that first encounter. If you stand in front of a collection of Ann Houle’s recent quilts for more than just a fleeting moment, you’ll recognize that quality in her work. There is more to them than meets the eye. On the surface, their subject matter could be summarized in just one word: sports. This series captures athletes in action as they glide over the ice, push their own personal limits on the field, or excel on the court. However, that simplification doesn’t do them justice. Ann’s artistry is showcased by capturing the universal emotion of the moment that defines the game. “It’s really not…

is there ever such a thing as a truly creative idea? Several years ago, I decided to up my game and apply to some high profile, more competitive artist residency programs. I was not surprised and only a little disappointed when I was not selected. Then I began to question why a selection committee should determine my worthiness as an artist and decided I would design my own residency and have an amazing experience anyway! A year later I was astonished to learn another artist doing the same thing, renting a fishing cabin in Florida for a month each year to make art. Recently I came across a second artist creating her own residencies at various scientific institutions by persuading administrators of the value in promoting their scientific missions through the…