05/09/08

I began quiltmaking in 1988 using traditional patterns, methods, and fabrics. While I love traditional quilts and still make them, and appreciate almost all forms of quilting, my real love is art quilts, contemporary fabrics and techniques.

So what changed my approach to quilting from traditional to contemporary? I was never happy copying what others had done but I enjoyed the creative process. I wanted to make "picture quilts" - and quilts that expressed my feelings about the world around me. But I didn't know how. Then in 1993 I visited Quilt National for the first time. What an eye-opener!!!! My quilts have never been the same. I started taking classes at QSDS (Quilt Surface Design Symposium), and other venues. I've been privileged to take classes from Caryl Bryer Fallert, Ruth McDowell, Jane Sassaman, Ned Wert, Judy Mathieson, Sue Benner, Elizabeth Barton, Jason Pollen, and Vikki Pignatelli. I've had great technical advice and friendship from quiltmaker, Susan Stein, author of Double Wedding Ring Quilts: Coming Full Circle, Colorful Angles, and Fabric Art Workshop and owner of Colorful Quilts & Textiles in the St. Paul, Minnesota area. Plus I've had the gift of friendship and support from The Press Club and Off Our Blocks quilt groups.

I received a lot of rejection notices before finally having a piece accepted into a major quilt show. One of the best rejection notices I ever received gave a reason for the rejection. The juror felt that what I had tried to do was beyond my ability. That told me what I needed to do--I needed to hone my skills. I worked hard at it and acceptance into a major show finally happened in 1998. That quilt, Upstream, was accepted into five major shows, won two awards, and was sold as a result. I was off and running. Other successes followed and today I make custom art quilts, and also continue to create new art pieces when inspired.

You might think that I have a fine arts background. Nothing could be further from that! I majored in business finance as an undergraduate, and education-human resource development as a graduate student. I never really thought I could draw, but I'm learning. You're never too old to try something new. That old adage, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"--well that's for dogs. People are wholly different! Follow your dream!

Enjoy my website and gallery, and be sure to check out links to some of my favorite websites!