Debbie Grifka writes in her journal almost daily to help her work through details in her pieces. Her work is inspired by the beauty in life, wherever she finds it.
How did you get started making fiber art? Why did you choose that medium?
I’ve been sewing since I was a child. I have done other fiber related activities such as knitting, weaving and needlepoint, but sewing has always been my main interest. Entering my teens, I made some of my own clothes and later some home dec projects, but I didn’t start quilting until 2002.
Throughout most of these time, I did not consider myself to be very creative. Finding my own style was immediately important to me and when I discovered modern quilting I knew that was it.
Quilting and designing my own quilts helped me understand that I am creative. As I have always been immersed in the world of fabric and thread, I don’t feel I chose fabric as my medium, it has just always been what I do. When I became an artist I never considered another medium.
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When was the first time that you remember realizing that you are a creative person?
The realization that I am creative came to me slowly as I started to design my own quilts about five years after I started quilting. Previously, I had not considered myself creative or artistic. I always “just made things.”
What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by the beauty in life wherever I find it. Traveling to new places energizes me and feeds my inspiration. However, my work rarely comes directly from any particular inspiration. It all goes in there and mixes around in my head and eventually, I have an idea of something to make.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
There are overall themes to my work – stillness and minimalism – and there are the many ways I might express these ideas. That can be through line, color, shape or technique.
Sometimes an idea arrives and I figure out how to express it. Other times the expression comes first and I discover what the idea is as I work on the piece.
When it comes to creating, are you more of a planner or an improviser?
In general, I am more of a planner. I like to have an idea of where I want to go with a piece. Sometimes, I’ll “sketch” it out on the computer to look at the proportions so I can see where to begin. Once I have an idea of where I’m going, I find the fabric and decide which techniques will get me there.
Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs do you think you have?
I am a finisher. I have very few UFOs – maybe 3 or 4. If a piece isn’t working, I either get rid of it or fix it.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
I have several spaces! I use two of the bedrooms in our home – one for sewing and fabric and one as an office/admin/storage space. In addition, I have recently rented a small studio outside my home where I can do surface design on fabric. There isn’t a space in my home that is large enough and that will let me leave work out as it dries and is ready for the next step.
Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?
I write one page in my journal most days. Writing helps me think things through. Most often I write about where I want my work to go next and how I can get there. I write about ideas I hear on podcasts or read in books and whether they might be useful to my process.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I prefer to work on one project at a time. I focus better that way. Sometimes I know what the next project will be as I’m finishing the current one, but other times it can take some time for one of my ideas to crystallize into the next project.
Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?
That spark when you suddenly see how an idea can come to life is the best! I enjoy the quieter parts of construction as well. The combination of the initial intense creative excitement and then the quieter process of making is a rhythm that works well for me.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
To paraphrase Lisa Call: the answer is always to make more work.
How do you make time for creating? Do you try to create daily?
Creating is my focus and what I do. I make time to run our household and do other necessary life tasks.
What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work?
Writing a page a day in my journal keeps me engaged with my work and the motivation comes from there. If I push myself too hard or fast, that can stall my motivation and focus. Usually all I need to get it back is a few days rest.
Do you critique your own work? What is your process?
I aspire to do this consistently and systematically, but I’m not there yet.
Do you think that creativity is part of human nature or is it something that must be nurtured and learned?
I firmly believe that creativity is a part of human nature AND that it must be nurtured and developed to thrive. I think everyone is creative. Once a person gives themselves permission to do what they really love without worrying about whether anyone else loves it and they are willing to try and fail, they become unstoppable.
Where can people see your work?
My website is debbiegrifka.com
I am on Instagram at debbiegrifka and Facebook at Debbie Dunn Grifka
Interview posted October 2024
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