Dinah Sargeant studied painting in college and discovered quilting when her children were young. She now combines both passions to create detailed painted art quilts and art dolls. Working on one piece at a time, each of her pieces tells a story that evolves as the work progresses.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path?
Ever since I can remember, creating art was my happiest place. Whether it was with crayons, pencils, paint or clay, it was where I wanted to be. And in the process of exploring materials I told myself stories.
My mother was a designer and an impeccable organizer. I was in awe of how she could arrange a drawer of supplies or just about anything. She was also encouraging of the time I spent creating and taught me how to sew, introducing me to a world of color and fabric.
I was a painting major in college and also worked in printmaking, weaving, design and pottery. When our children were young, I thought quilt making might be a creative outlet that I could pick up and put down easily, eventually getting back to painting. I experimented with fabric paint and began to paint all the fabric for my traditional quilts.
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The surprise for me was discovered in the painted yardage. Hints of figures, faces, animals and spirit-like creatures began showing up in the layers of color that I couldn’t ignore and was compelled to realize. This is the moment my art quilts began.
Which came first, the dolls or the quilts?
The quilts came first, then a few years later the dolls. Similar to the quilts their origin began within the painted fabric.
Are you a finisher?
Yes, I work on one piece at a time.
Scraps. Save ’em or toss ’em?
I do save all scrap fabric and unused doll parts that didn’t initially work but might be perfect for something later.
Describe your workspace.
Painting takes place in the garage. My workspace is in a studio with a felt covered design board on one end, sewing machine on the other. There are boxes and drawers of fabric scraps, paint, jars of buttons, beads, sequins, wire, thread, art books, and journals.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time?
Both the quilts and the dolls have a story that evolves as the work progresses. So there is no planning, other than an occasional sketch and even then the idea changes as I work.
Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works?
Painting is truly the heart of my work and remains the most powerful, because that is where the stories begin. Since the colors are all applied randomly I have no idea what imagery will show up. It took a long time to believe they were there and trust in their voices.
For the quilts, I coax the imagery out with lines of embroidery thread, heavy stitching and pieces of fabric then dance them across a painted background until they land, claim their spot and start talking.
With the dolls, their shape is isolated and encouraged into a dimensional presence. Embellishments are added to give them more of a voice. I often use beads, buttons and wire, pieces of painted t-shirts, really anything that strikes me. All of these elements are important and help tell the doll’s story.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
Life events, conversations, something read, or even a single word continue to inspire me. From the very first piece to where I am now feels very much like a visual diary.
There are several faces on my design board whispering to me. I am taking the time to hear what they have to say.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Trust in your vision and process.
Where can people see your work?
www.dinah-sargeant.com
This spring one of my pieces will be at Quilt National 2025 in Athens, Ohio.
Interview posted February 2025
Browse through more inspiring art quilts on Create Whimsy.
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