I recommend reading my blog posts. I talk about my inspirations and process. I share art-related themes, such as editing, narration, curating, and recipes. Seeing my Contemporary Quilt Art in person is always best, so check out my Exhibits page. There may be a show near you that I am participating in.
I work in abstract conceptual, cartoon, and representational styles. There are repeating themes: seasons, harmony, spirit, mending that which is torn, metamorphosis, response to world news, less is more, connections, and imperfection.
In my abstract pieces, I use a combination of commercial fabrics and painted cotton and linen. These artworks have hand appliqué and a combination of hand and machine quilting. Often pieces will look imperfect and unfinished.
My figurative pieces are more likely to be created using fusing and machine applique and quilting. I use a tracing of my image and work flat on a table. If I am not fusing, then I pin and tape things in place until I am ready to sew by hand.
Are you interested in my creative process and technique? My blog posts often discuss my inspirations and how things are constructed.
Show and Tell 01/29/2021
Construction 08/28/2021
Virtual Retreat 10/27/2021
The top three Publications below give information about how I create most of my figurative artwork.
Publications
Art Quilt Portfolio People and Portraits, 2011
Quilting Arts Magazine June/July 2011
Machine Quilting Unlimited, May 2011
Art Quilt Quarterly, Issue No. 21
Abstract & Geometric, 2016
Have the Right, presented by Picture Art Foundation, Nov 2011
State of the Art, The Studio Quilt, no. 6, November 2011Xhibit, 2011
Exhibitions 3&4, Preston contemporary art
Quilting Arts Magazine April/May 2011
500 Quilts by Lark Books, 2010
SAQA Journal Fall 2009, Winter 2010, Fall 2016, 2020 Vol 30, No. 3
SAQA Art Quilt Quarterly, Winter 2017
Quilting Arts magazine Dec./Jan. 2010
Quilters Newsletter magazine Feb/March 2010
Machine Quilting Unlimited magazine Nov. 2010
Do I teach workshops? No
Do I give talks? Yes, sometimes in the Region.
I am a curator, gardener, grandma, singer, writer, cook, and contemporary quilt artist. I am on Facebook – Joan Sowada Art

