art quilts – Page 22

August 1, 2012November 14, 2012

Summer’s Renewal

Summer seems to have taken on a time schedule all its own! It has taken me out of my routine, required me to focus on other things, and ultimately helps give me a different perspective. All of this serves as a renewal…

Today I find my way back to the studio, ready to tackle tasks, begin a new design, and reach toward a major goal for 2012.

Interested in contemporary art quilts? The SAQA’s (Studio Art Quilt Association) Benefit Auction will be held in September!! The artist’s donations for 2012 can now be seen on-line HERE! (see under “News & Events“) This is a wonderful collection of the variety of unique styles, techniques, and creativity used by artists working in this medium! This event is for those interested in collecting art, at the same time contributing to promote the art quilt medium.

Does Summer take you out of your routine? If you are an artist, how does it impact your artwork?

Studio Art Quilt Association (www.saqa.com)
Art Quilts (kenyaquiltguild.wordpress.com)

April 30, 2012May 1, 2012

In the Studio~Child’s Play

What do you think of when you think about children playing? Running?… jumping?… games?…having fun? and bright colors? This week I began a new series, Child’s Play. For a long time I have been collecting brightly colored fabrics with whimsical prints. While I did not have a design idea for them yet, when my husband asked me about a small art quilt that might relate to children, my mind began focusing on a few different ideas. I thought of a favorite book on my shelf, Quilter’s Playtime: Games With Fabric by Dianne S. Hire. I was inspired to use the games of–spinners, pin-the-tail-on the-donkey, and marbles–in a composition entitled, Playtime Games.

A quick sketch of an idea was drawn…And a pile of playful, brightly colored fabrics was thrown on the table…(Actually my stash on the shelf is very orderly! )

Fabric Pile — Pile of Fun, Colorful Fabrics.

Then, I drew objects of the design on the paper backing of fusible web. (I like Lite Steam-a-Seam2 brand) These were then cut-out and arranged on the background fabric. To construct the tails, two pieces of fabric were sewn together wrong sides together, turned, and basted into place. I took digital photos to view the composition and placement of the pieces. When the desired effect was achieved, the top was fused into place.

Lay Out of Playtime Games, (c) 2012, Joni Beach. — Lay-Out of Playtime Games, (c) 2012, Joni Beach.

Next, the top was layered with low-loft batting and a backing fabric. Thread-painting was done to enhance the details of the objects. And, texture, depth, and line was added to the design using free-motion quilting. I like the way the quilting lines also add movement to this piece. A button and beads were stitched to the tails, the binding was fused to the back, and I signed and dated the front…