Fabric Collage / Artist Statement

I create 'fabricated paintings' by deconstructing the original patterns and pictures in fabrics and reintegrating them into a new image. This new medium, is a natural evolution of my work as a fiber artist. From weaving to papermaking and now fabric collage...I am still working with the same materials, fiber and in particular, cotton fiber.

I have been a handmade papermaker / pulp-painter for twenty-five years. The restrictions of the medium, particularly the inability to create detailed images as well as the difficulty in creating bright, saturated colors has been a limitation in my work.

This new direction of my work has been inspired by the 'free quilting' movement and the incredible production of unique fabrics for the quilting industry. I can use the intrinsic qualities of fabrics, colors, patterns, textures and images as a painting medium to express ideas and artistic concerns that I could not as a papermaker. Essentially, cutting the fabric to recreate the narrative.

The landscapes I created as a papermaker were feeling based whereas my work in fabric collage is idea or narrative based. I appreciate the economy of materials in fabric collage. No heavy equipment and specialized studio space. I can work anywhere, all I need is fabric, scissors and glue.

Fabric collage allows me to explore greater narrative expression as well as spiritual and philosophical ideas that interest me.

Please contact me for more information.