"Project Manager by day and Fiber Artist by night." That's probably a good starting point. I've been an artist all of my life, but I've made career choices that favored my analytical side over by creative side. It's only been in the past few years that I've claimed the name "Artist" for myself and acknowledged that it's not just what I do in my spare time--it's who I am.
I’ve asked a number of people who work with textiles what they call themselves. Fiber artist? Textile artist? Quilter? Craftsperson? Printmaker? Perhaps the most interesting response I’ve gotten is “Mark-maker.” I like that.
I’ve decided to label myself a fiber artist because I have some level of interest in all of the fiber/needle arts. The things that interests me most are printing, dying, painting, and stitching cloth. Often my cloth reaches completion when it’s quilted, but sometimes its content to remain in it’s art cloth state.
The finished products are functional: displayable, used as bed coverings, wearable, and sometimes even liturgical.
I've always been drawn to printmaking and to textile. Dying and printing art cloth is a fusion of both of these interests. I've also been a quilter for almost 20 years. I take great satisfaction from creating a quilt that uses my own hand dyed/printed cloth because it allows me to engage in the visual design process at all levels.
Right now I’m very interested in deconstructed screen printing. I love the the spontaneity and serendipity that come from not being in complete control of the process as the dried dye in the screen re-hydrates, softens, and releases onto the cloth. I’ve also been doing a good bit of direct painting onto cloth. I never really thought of myself as a painter, but it seems to be working out that way.
Fiber art is a “thin spot” for me. It’s a time and a place where the divine can break through. In the right frame of mind, making art can be a way of entering into a collaborative relationship with the Holy One as a co-creator.
Letting go. Loosening up. Shaking off my fears and inhibitions. Connecting with the good creative force at work in the universe. Sharing the experience, the journey, and the vision with others. That’s what I want my art to be about.
I hope you enjoy the site. I’m going to try to keep it fresh, so check back from time to time and see what’s new. If you like what you see drop me a note. You can find my e-mail address and a link to my blog on the “Contact” page.