Cindy Grisdela Art Quilts

Meet the Artist

• About This Artist

  I make abstract designs in fabric with a focus on color and shape. The color is the first step, using fabric like paint to create intuitively without a pattern, like jazz music. Next, stitching lines provide texture, integrating all of the elements. I stitch with a sewing machine, but the designs are entirely hand driven, without a computer or marking lines. My work hangs on the wall, providing visual warmth and texture to living spaces, as well as a creative link between artist and viewer.

• Q&A With This Artist

  Q:  Can you tell us about how your work is made?

  A: I use 100% cotton fabric and variegated thread, purchased as often as I can from small artist run businesses. I make abstract designs in fabric with a focus on color and shape. The color is the first step, cutting directly into my fabric to create shapes. I use fabric like paint to create intuitively without a pattern, like jazz music. Next, stitching lines provide texture, integrating all of the elements. I stitch with a sewing machine, but the designs are entirely hand driven, without a computer or marking lines.

  Q:  What makes you passionate about the medium you chose?

  A: I was fortunate to have parents that encouraged my love of art from an early age, so I had opportunities to learn about painting, drawing, ceramics and other art forms. There weren't any quilters in my family, so I didn't learn about quilting until I was in college, although I learned to sew when I was 10. I was immediately entranced with the opportunities to create something beautiful and useful out of fabric and thread offered, and I never looked back. The tactile nature of fiber art is endlessly intriguing to me, because I not only have the chance to create an interesting graphic design, I also can add my own mark to the design with the texture I choose to add to enhance my compositions.

  Q:  What currently is keeping you nourished, inspired, and passionate for creating craft?

  A: Although I've been making quilts for nearly 40 years, there is always something new to explore--a new color combination, new texture to add with stitching, a design challenge to overcome. It never gets old!