Creative Life Sampler

  Hanging Sculpture at the Raleigh Convention Center Since the close of QuiltCon 2026, I’ve been tuning in to the flurry of responses and reactions on social media to the "statement quilts" in the show. There were quite a few this year and there have been some very effective reels that lift up their messages in unique ways. These mini films have been well constructed and effective. There has also been some push back questioning the suitability of what amounts to social commentary in the realm of the quilt show and calling out the Modern Quilt Guild for giving creators the platform to share their ideas. This has given rise to some really thoughtful and cogent responses from quilt content creators in support of the voices that were showcased and QuiltCon. The arguments in support of the modern quilt movement have been so well done, by stronger voices than mine, that their points don’t need to be rehashed here. But I would like to add my response to the whole unfoldment of t...

I was once involved with a group which included an individual that didn’t say much. It was obvious that they were engaged and very aware of what was going on, but they were quiet, unassuming, and thoughtful. The thing that impressed me most about this person was that, when they chose to speak, the conversation stopped short and everyone gave space for them to share. I’ve often thought of this individual when feeling pressure to join in on a conversation. When circumstances call for it, I’ve tried to emulate this unhurried, measured approach in order to think things through; choosing words and phrases judiciously for clarity in presenting my perspective. Ten years ago, those words didn’t include expletives or profanity. That was a conscious choice. But a lot has happened in the world and our country since then. There are times when stringing words together don't seem as effective at expressing the emotions of the moment as a single word.  As I was walking through a row at QuiltC...

  I have two vignettes to share that show how the creator can connect with the viewer. One shows the value of a really descriptive title, the other is an example of an effective artist's statement that draws the viewer in so they linger in front of the quilt. I was walking through the Hand Work category at QuiltCon 2026 and I came across this little gem by  Eleanor Kagan. Simple shapes. Very graphic. Saturated color.  What’s it about? Somebody came up beside me. We shifted positions so she could take a closer look at the quilt and I could read the artist’s statement. As soon as I read the title, I laughed out loud and my viewing partner came over for a closer look. We looked at each other and shared a good giggle. This was conspicuous enough for a third person to come up beside us, take in the title, and rush to bring over a friend to enjoy the moment. Well done, Eleanor! We connected with your work, then we connected with each other, and I think we all felt a connect...

I can't emphasize enough how important human connection is to the experience of attending QuiltCon. Whether you are standing in line for an event, hanging out at your own quilt, or lingering in front of a quilt you really like, it is so easy to strike up a conversation. People are joyful to be there and pleased to be with other quilters. There is an instant connection because you already know you have quilting in common.  After all, it is a celebration of quilts. Running into a ribbon winner, it is natural to lift them up for their accomplishment. This year when I came across Heidi Parkes in front of her prize winning quilt, I put aside my usual reticence to congratulate her. As we spoke, I was reminded of my first encounter with her work.  Back in 2021, I was doing a lot of hand appliqu é  and hand quilting, but I hadn’t been in the modern guild very long. Sometimes it felt like I was fumbling along, trying to figure out what made modern quilts different. That spring Hei...

They were expecting the Modern Quilt Guild in North Carolina. This greeted us at the Raleigh airport!  What a great way to build excitement!! And here's the view from our hotel room Thursday morning.  Way before the doors opened to the show, quilters were lined up for early classes. First views of the convention center floor.  The left side showcased the quilt show, the right side the vendors. Coming down the escalator, we were able to spot my quilt, Midnight & Noon in the front circle.  At the award ceremony Wednesday evening I learned it had been given the Best Hand Quilting award, sponsored by Wonderfil Specialty Threads. It was such a joy to see people get close to my quilt to really take in the textures and the stitch work. I had so many wonderful conversations with people who were curious and engaged. Having this kind of interaction between creator and audience is a special experience at a large show. That it happens pretty regularly at QuiltCon is unique t...

  How Painting Happens (and why it matters) by Martin Gayford This was a Christmas gift from my thoughtful kids and I've just finished it!  A good indication that something has resonated with me is the amount of times I mark what I want to remember. Photos taken at a show or museum, notes from a meeting, and, in this case, lots of post-it tabs throughout the book; all a good sign that the experience has left an impression. For me this was an entertaining and informative read that is as much about creativity as it is the specific medium of painting.  Martin Gayford 's presentation makes the information accessible to the reader and easily applicable to one's own method of self expression. He doesn't rely on traditionally dense art jargon from the past. In each chapter, he breaks down the components of composition and execution with examples that address things like texture through brush strokes or effective use of color. Consideration of these elements is valuable to any ...