Grace Cormier is a mixed media artist who loves to explore, moving easily between painting, fiber art, jewelry, and more. She gathers ideas from everyday objects, old materials, and new techniques, letting each piece grow in its own way. Her work feels thoughtful and expressive, with layers of texture, color, and story.
Do you remember the first time you made something and thought, “this feels like me”?
Indeed, for many years, I was engaged in creating mixed media art that also included fiber art.
A few years ago, I developed a strong interest in Japanese Boro and Wabi Sabi aesthetics, which celebrate the beauty of imperfection, impermanence, and natural simplicity. This sparked an in-depth exploration and study of the subject.
As my knowledge grew, so did my fascination. The completion of my first Boro piece was a defining moment, as I knew instantly that this was the art form I wanted to keep creating.
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Hand-stitching every detail using Japanese sashiko thread and primarily repurposed natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool was a labor of love. Despite the process exceeding one hundred hours, the gratification was profound, starting a new chapter in my artistic adventure.
What were you as a creative kid? Always making, or quietly observing?
Throughout my life, I have been driven to create and make my own imaginative worlds.
My mother, a talented dressmaker and designer for her clients, taught me how to sew at a young age, around six years old, using an old manual Singer machine equipped with a push pedal that I could barely reach.
Although I was too young to undertake my own sewing projects, I found ways to utilize leftover fabric scraps and transformed a shoebox into my first interior decorating project. I created a miniature setting that included a matchbox bed filled with cotton and vibrant fabric scraps as a blanket, a tiny plant serving as a companion to a chair, and a rug crafted from an old sweater, which completed the room.
In my innocent young mind, I became a decorator!
Was there a moment when art shifted from a hobby to something more important?
Yes, definitely. The creative part of my mind was always filled with ideas, but it wasn’t until I retired that I was able to devote myself entirely to art.
There was a sense of freedom without limits. I now had the time, and days were filled with new projects that had been postponed for so many years due to raising a family and a demanding job. It was satisfying to finally fulfill the creative desires that I had since I was young.
I joined several local art clubs, surrounding myself in a community of talented artists and participating in exhibitions that supported my career transition.
If you could sit beside your younger creative self, what would you tell them?
Don’t let the fear of not being accepted hold you back. Don’t follow the crowd or new trends. Be true to yourself, unique and unconventional.
Let your imagination take you on a journey to new and unexplored places and guide you through the creative process. Focus on balancing color, shape, and texture.
I usually work spontaneously while letting the piece come naturally into being….
Where do your ideas usually begin- an image, a feeling, a memory, or something else?
I’m a collector of “things”. When I find something unique, I keep it with the intention of incorporating it into my art. At that point, I already know how it’ll be used. These items can range from an old piece of cloth, an interesting old print for collage, cardboard for dimensional painting, or even rusted nails for rust dye fabric.
I often browse vintage shops to discover unique pieces that inspire my artistic vision. A metal belt caught my attention and sparked the idea of creating a two dimensional wire wall sculpture, for which the belt would be a perfect component. The finished piece met my expectations, and I was pleased with the thrift store purchase.
Are there themes that keep showing up in your art, even when you don’t plan them?
Often, my art reveals hidden elements, especially in abstract works like ‘Lightning Thunder,’ an acrylic piece incorporating alcohol ink.
A gallery member noticed a woman’s face at the painting’s center, which I hadn’t intentionally created. This unexpected discovery enhances the piece’s mystique. ‘Lightning Thunder’ resonates deeply with me on a spiritual level and has been observed to have a similar effect on viewers during exhibits.
Another abstract piece featuring an angel with my mother’s face underscores the dynamic nature of art. Although I paint in various styles, abstract art remains my preferred medium for exploring color, balance, and texture.
How do you stay inspired when your creative well feels a little dry?
I feel fortunate that my creative interest helps me explore a variety of artistic mediums.
Switching between projects keeps me inspired. For instance, I might work on paintings one week and fiber art or jewelry the next, alongside designing purses made from flax linen or sculpting with paper mache. The abundance of ideas ensures each project remains exciting, much like the last.
To avoid unfinished projects, I complete one before starting another.
Describe your creative space.
Unfortunately, I don’t have a studio that meets my dreams, but converting the guest bedroom into an art room has been a good solution. It’s a calm and welcoming space with all the things I love, and I find myself wanting to spend most of my day there.
What does a typical day in your studio look like?
Given the nature of my work as a multi-medium artist, which demands a wide range of materials and supplies, maintaining organization is crucial.
Every day, I follow a routine of storing items in their designated places and keeping boxes organized, which enables me to focus on my art. The studio is divided into sections for different supplies, including fabrics, jewelry-making materials, paints, and various tools, ensuring that everything has its place. Just like all of us artists…..more is always better.
Many days, I just wander around planning a project, but because there are so many ideas, I end up accomplishing nothing. I think this may sound familiar to other artists.
What are your most have tools or materials you can’t live without?
My Japanese sashiko needles.
I appreciate how effortlessly they glide through thick layers of fabric. A good pair of scissors and jewelry-making tools are indispensable, functioning as an additional pair of hands.
My fabric stash, which includes new Dupioni Silk, assorted linens in different thicknesses and textures, naturally dyed wool, and repurposed natural fibers, is truly my haven.
My studio closet contains thrift store garments with cut-off sleeves, slacks partially missing a cuff, and dresses without cut-off bottoms. All missing pieces were used in previous projects. I am a “recycle queen”. Nothing goes to waste. I give the unwanted a close second chance to shine again in the form of art.
How do you organize your workspace -neat and tidy or creative chaos?
I find that chaos blocks creative energy. I try to be as organized as I can. It frees my mind from unnecessary clutter, allowing me to focus on positivity and efficiency.
What role does experimentation play in your studio practice?
Different ideas create different experiments.
You must embrace the unfamiliar and the unknown. It’s a process of creating unique art.
Without fear of failure, I consistently seek to master diverse techniques. An example of this approach is when I painted a dimensional piece I disliked, only to later repurpose the canvas into a handmade purse, effectively turning an unsuccessful endeavor into a successful one.
Do you work on one piece at a time or juggle several projects at once?
Typically, I focus on one piece at a time, unless I’m working with Japanese Wabi Sabi or Boro, which can require up to two weeks to complete. To avoid monotony and refresh my enthusiasm, I often switch to a different quick project.
Can you walk us through your process from the first idea to the final piece?
Initially, I select a frame and then determine the size of the canvas. I’ve learned from past experiences where completing a painting made it challenging to find a suitable frame. For most of my paintings, I don’t create a preliminary sketch. When painting on canvas, my first step is to apply gesso and add texture for a dimensional effect. Often, I partially remove and reapply the texture, creating a unique, old patina. For more detailed realism, I maintain a smoother texture that’s still visible.
In the creation of fiber art projects, I determine the size and choose fabrics with complementary colors and diverse textures. I use only natural fibers such as wool, linen, silk, and cotton. I lay out the pieces on the backing fabric and start stitching from the center, working outward with an outline in mind. The creative process evolves naturally from there.
Do you plan things out carefully or let the work evolve as you go?
I always have a clear idea of what I want to achieve when starting a project. This clarity allows me to plan ahead by choosing the right materials.
In fiber art, stitched fabric pieces dictate the flow of harmony and balance. While I begin with a fundamental design, the piece always takes on a life of its own and evolves.
Have you ever had a piece completely change direction halfway through?
Indeed, I did. It can be quite frustrating when the envisioned outcome does not materialize as planned. I had envisioned ‘Spectacular Colors of Florida Sunset’ to be an abstract piece with only brushstrokes and overlapping colors. However, the brushes did not cooperate, resulting in an entirely different outcome.
Fortunately, I was thoroughly pleased with the final result. The painting ultimately inspired a linen fabric design, which I then utilized to craft a handmade purse.
What have you learned about yourself through your art?
I have developed the ability to appreciate the beauty that surrounds me, and I firmly believe that nature is the ultimate source of inspiration.
The creative process is a truly wonderful, fulfilling, and rewarding experience. Artists possess amazing, imaginative minds, and our lives are enriched with never-ending projects that keep us active, youthful, and engaged with each other.
What advice would you give to someone just starting their creative journey?
Sky is the limit. You can create any artistic genre if you follow your creative mind without restricting yourself.
Stay unique and true to yourself. There are no limits to what you can achieve.
Develop your skills and don’t overwhelm yourself with perfection.
Criticism should be ignored. Critics usually have their own style and can’t accommodate someone else’s art. True art lovers appreciate all artistic expressions.
Where can people see your work?
Periodically, my pieces are exhibited in local galleries across East Florida and the Vero Beach Museum of Art. My art has been published twice in Fiber Art Now magazine. You can visit my website at www.ArtisticDesignArt.com
Rapid fire fun
Sketch first or jump right in: Jump right in
Favorite color right now: Vibrant colors of raw dupioni silk
One word that describes your creative life: Blessed
Interview posted June 2026
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