Early artistic aspiration defeat occurred in first grade, when the teacher assigned drawing a tree. I did poorly and she decreed that I'd never be an artist. Working around her judgement, I concentrated on safer craft projects.
Working as a clinical social worker, I retired in 1993 and having created many traditional quilts, indulged my yearning to learn machine quilting, use more deeply saturated color, and concentrate on "art quilts".
StatementInfluenced by abstraction and Japanese design, I usually begin with an idea, a photo, or simply with a favorite fabric from my stash, then a long process of auditioning or switching fabrics that "work" together. Focusing on placement I consider shape, line, value and balance. Recently much machine quilting has been replaced with larger embroidered stitches, using sashiko thread when possible. Borders may follow, and facing replaces traditional binding.
