Joan Schulze grew up in a creative home. Creating fiber art and writing poetry, reflecting her feelings and thoughts have been a part of Joan’s life.
How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving?
My artist’s path was formed on the streets of Chicago. I was a roamer from age 3. By age 7 I was using streetcars and the Elevated to go downtown. My favorite destinations were The Art Institute of Chicago, Marshall Fields Department Store, window displays and hotel lobbies.
Making something out of nothing was normal in my family. My mother had a rag bag which held materials for patching and mending. I often used fabric and buttons from this bag for projects. Another great source of art material was the eagerly awaited Sears catalog.
Rocks and bottles were some of my early collections. I have collections which include bowls, fabrics, scraps, paper and old books. If three things are considered a collection, then I am leaving out many others. Collage and piecing were honed using these material fragments. I continue to look for “found objects” that fit my interests.
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How would you describe your medium?
Describing my medium has always been a challenge. In the mid 90s I adopted the umbrella term Fiber Art. The following progression of descriptive terms that I have used illustrates my artistic journey: embroidery, stitchery, layered construction, artists’ books, prints, photography, silk, paper, collage and quilts.
Fiber art and poetry. How did you get started with these ways to express yourself?
I starting writing poems in first grade. I made little books with drawings and poems and gave them as presents. Years later in 1984, when I was teaching a two week workshop at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts in Maine I met Don Willcox. Don was the visiting artist during that session. One evening he asked me why I wasn’t writing. How did he know I wrote? That gentle question marked the beginning of my return to writing.
Do you use a journal? How does that help your work develop?
Poems have become my journal. At any given time, they reflect my current feelings and concerns. In the making of an artwork, especially a quilt, words often guide me in design, title and my artist statement.
Do you do series work? How does that affect your approach?
I find that many themes are best explored in a series. Currently, a bowl that I acquired in China in 2007 became a major inspiration and theme in my quilts. I had previously used tea bowls from my collection, architecture, sky, and nature.
Describe your creative space.
Since 1995, I work out of my studio in San Francisco. The light and space enables me to do large works. I usually have 3 to 6 artworks in progress. Wall space, big windows, and north light influence how I approach art making. When I am at home the writing part of my art practice is usually done there.
I abandoned sketchbooks years ago. I like working directly and spontaneously on each artwork. Problem solving on the go. Energy directed to the art object. The conversation with myself continues.
Now in 2024, my current studio work is more measured. My energy level has changed. Reflect, rest, and planning are more essential parts of the process. I’m grateful that I can still create works that make me happy.
Where can people see your work?
In my studio in SF by appointment only
Web site: www.joan-of-arts.com
Instagram: myart_works13
Interview posted May 2024
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