Arlene L. Blackburn

Union Hall, VA

Field Notes: Focus

Is there truthfulness when you look in the mirror? I do not want my quilts to reflect the surface (your iPhone can do that) but rather to penetrate deeper inside. My mirror goes to the heart. Ever changing, we become what we know. We reflect our experiences. This piece is the first in a series of quilts about our evolving nature. The textures are reflections of life: some fabrics are coarse, some soft to the touch, some fraying at the edges. Memories (recycled clothing) are woven in with the patterns. The colors are strong; the greens of North Carolina dominate. The lines dance in the wind. The composition is direct; she is growing.

Hand and raw-edge appliqué; machine quilting. Materials include: recycled clothing (cotton Mother’s Day dress, silk dresses from my daughters’ weddings, silk scarf, cotton dresses, cotton shirts, rayon blouses); solid commercial fabrics; recycled cotton-print upholstery fabrics.

Leah Cooke: Nature, travel and the love of color are the foremost influences on my work. My journey began in the 1970s experimenting with natural dyes and fabric/surface design. I am influenced by the simple and colorful paintings and cutouts of Matisse. I look for strong lines, color, pattern, and composition in my work. I want to evoke a feeling. Throughout the years, this path led to collaborations, artist residencies, solo shows, commissions, and exhibitions of art quilts in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe

Leah Cooke

Cary, NC

She Became Her Garden

Have you ever wondered why a tree’s branches grow the way they do? Why some limbs cross and other grow at odd angles and different directions? A tree’s unique limbs are the result of many life events. Storms, heat, ice, and wind can alter the shape year after year. These limbs have the amazing ability to adjust and adapt to become stronger and ready to withstand the next storm. I often spend time gazing up at these resilient wonders and reflect upon my own individuality. I think about how my personal growth has been impacted by life storms, and how these events have helped shape me into the unique person that I have become.

Paula Dean: My background is filled with experiments in different media. As long as I can remember I have tested the limits of my supplies, breaking rules and finding new ways to create. I enjoy incorporating layers of fabric, paint, paper, and dye to create unexpected and sometimes chaotic results. I create quickly with intuition and spontaneity. I enjoy pushing design elements to the edge to add excitement and artistic energy. Conversations with my pieces throughout the creative process help me evolve as an artist, taking the time to listen to hear what the next step wants to be. Working this way builds a deep connection to everything I create. I combine my love of mark-making with that of inks and paint. The permanent imperfect marks do not allow perfectionism to be present.

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