Joan Sowada creates fiber art in a variety of styles, inspired by the people and world around her. She selects fabric combinations for her pieces that help her present an idea, usually creating two pieces each month.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I am a mentor, curator, gardener, grandma, singer, writer, cook, and contemporary quilt artist. Each of these activities help to inform my quilt art.
Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?
I work in three styles – Representational, Abstract Conceptual, and Cartoon.
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There is more planning ahead of time for the Representational pieces because I am making a pattern from photos.
For abstract pieces, I select fabric combinations that help me present an idea. For each style I select fabrics ahead of time, (usually more than I will use). The fabrics have a lot to say and help me communicate my ideas.
Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like?
I am very fortunate to have a roomy mother-in-law apartment with plenty of windows, tables, storage, and a sink. It is not fancy, but it is cool in the summer and very functional! Take a studio tour – go to avacenter.org and click on the members tab.
How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?
I create about two pieces each month. I like to finish one project before I start another. However, I will probably be thinking about the next idea for some time before starting on it.
Is there an overarching theme that connects all of your work?
My artwork expresses nurturing concepts: harmony, spirit, precious moments, metamorphosis, less is more, connections, imperfection, and feeling safe and well.
What’s the best piece of advice you’d give someone new to fiber art?
“Keep going” This is especially good advice when you aren’t happy with the work. I hang the unfinished piece in a place where I will see it many times a day. This helps me to see the work and imagine a way forward.
I also enjoy doing radical cropping, saving the parts that I like, and rearranging them into a very different piece than the original. I have never regretted doing this! So another piece of advice that I give artists is “Cut it up!”
Do you enter juried shows? Do you approach your work differently for these venues?
I do enter juried shows.
I read the prospectus carefully and if I already have something that is a good fit I enter it. I seldom create work specifically for a call. I think that the quality of my work is stronger when I am the one driving the ideas and the process.
I no longer enter my work in quilt festivals. I enter Studio Art Quilt Associates Inc. (SAQA) shows and other specific art quilt or fine craft shows. I choose to enter all media shows about half of the time. I love to see my art quilts hanging right next to a painting or a sculpture.
Do you keep track of your work? Shows that you’ve entered? Tell us what works for you.
My methods are old school!
1) A binder has three categories – there are shows I might enter, paperwork for shows entered, and accepted shows with contracts, shipping, etc.
2) A paper calendar has show reminders (weeks ahead), deadlines for entry, and shipping dates. I check off when I have completed an entry or shipping.
3) I use a card catalogue to record the history of each art quilt. Each card has a title, date, size, price, and a list of each show entry as well as other places it has been shown. This history tells me whether a piece has a poor or strong track record for getting into shows.
Why do you make art?
Here are the answers given over a 60 year period:
- It’s fun. It comes easily. I use fabric scraps and decorate my room.
- I learn and practice a craft.
- I hang out with my tribe.
- I want to share uplifting images with others –
- It’s my contribution to the world.
- I want to share concepts with others.
- It gives me a sense of purpose.
- I want to elevate art quilts to fine art.
- My art is a reflection of my life and the times I live in. It is commentary.
- It is healthy.
- I keep making art because it is a way to better know myself and to keep growing.
Where can people see your work?
They can see my work on my website. I often show new work on my blog and there is a page that lists current exhibitions. https://www.joansowada.com
Follow Joan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joan.sowada
Interview posted September 2024
Browse through more inspiring art quilts on Create Whimsy.