ABOUT ME…

I began my art journey in the mid 80’s, as an exploration of shape, form and color emerged in collage and simple drawings. Before that, I had been an appreciator of art from a very young age, but really showed no aptitude for it. It’s really just proof positive that time changes everything, and that the artistic impulse can live for a long time without outward expression until, one day, it just ventures forth.

In 1999/2000, I began in earnest, as a student of Fine Art at Washington University, ma Alma Mater, where I had attended years before. I learned so much; how to see and observe as an artist, the basics of line, gesture, shape, negative and positive space. I learned what tools to use, and how and why. I learned that when I was ‘stuck’, I had strategies I could use to move forward. I learned when to keep going, keep working on something that looked hopeless, and I also learned that not every piece is successful and should just be a learning tool for what to do better the next time. I learned new ways of thinking about creating, about subjects for art, and new ways to conquer both the fear of the blank canvas and out-of-the-box ways of creating something compelling.

At the same time, I was continuing to work with art quilts…before I even realized that what I was doing was fiber art/art quilting. My first forays into that medium were perfunctory, at best, but I loved it and just kept trying new ways to create art quilts and art sculpture.

I am a Juried Artist Member of Studio Art Quilts, Associates, and have been for many years.

I hope you enjoy looking at a slice of my life’s work. Drop me a line or find me on social media…and, as one of my beloved professors would say, “Art on!”

Ellen