• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Create Whimsy

Create Whimsy

Inspring makers and sharing their stories

  • Quilting
    • Free Quilt Patterns
    • Art Quilts
    • Modern Quilting
    • English Paper Piecing (EPP)
    • Foundation Piecing
    • Crazy Quilting
    • Improv Quilting
    • Quilt Tutorials
    • Machine Quilting
    • Hand Quilting
  • Embroidery
    • Hand Embroidery
    • Machine Embroidery
    • Sashiko
    • Embroidery Tutorials
  • Beading
    • Bead Embroidery
    • Off-Loom Bead Weaving
  • Sewing
    • Making Clothes
      • Costumes
    • Bags
    • Babies
  • MORE
    • Surface Design
      • Eco Printing and Dyeing
    • Appliqué
      • Fusing
    • Jewelry Making
      • Wirework
      • Handmade Bracelets
      • Handmade Necklaces
    • Mixed Media
      • Collage Art
    • Kumihimo
    • Weaving
    • Crochet
    • Knitting
    • DIY Organization
      • Decorative Containers
    • DIY Home Décor
      • DIY Throw Pillows
    • Recycle DIY
    • Felting
    • DIY Gift Ideas
    • Crafts
    • Occasions
      • Easter
      • Mothers Day
      • Fathers Day
      • Fourth of July
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Christmas
      • DIY Valentine Ideas
    • Paper Crafting
    • Metalsmithing
    • Painting & Drawing
    • Pottery-Ceramics
    • Toys & Games
    • Sculpture
  • Newsletter Sign Up

Home » Quilting » Modern Quilting

Spotlight: Karen Maple, Quilt Artist

Spotlight: Karen Maple, Quilt Artist

Modern Quilting Spotlightby Create Whimsy

Converting ideas into two-dimensional images drives the work of quilt artist Karen Maple. She starts with a story, often about social injustice, and creates compelling contemporary images using the traditional art of quilting.

Into the LIght by Karen Maple
Into the Light

What inspires you to create?

I have always loved to explore new ideas and create things in many different domains. At one point I realized that the simple physical part of making an object with my hands was also relaxing.  

This post may contain links to Amazon or other partners. Your purchases via these links may benefit Create Whimsy. Read more about our affiliate linking policy.

Black, Brown, and White in Orange by Karen Maple
Black, Brown, and White in Orange

Why Fiber? How does that medium best express what you want to communicate through your art?

I began my artistic journey with photography but found the medium a little limiting. I explored painting for a couple of years and found that medium a little too wide open. Somehow quilting fell in the middle with more constraints than painting but freer than photography.  

What I really like about the quilting world is that you can reach a wide audience with your work. A reasonable number of very large quilt shows occur throughout the country, and other quilters are eager to see the quilts in person. Other artistic mediums are much more exclusive and difficult to break into. 

Almost all of my current works have stories to tell and almost always begin from the story. I make a fair number of statement quilts about injustices in the world. But even most of my minimalist quilts start from an idea.

Community by Karen Maple
Community

Do you focus on one piece exclusively from start to finish or work actively on more than one project at a time? Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?

I like to work on one project start to finish. 

I typically start with an idea such as “community” and try to figure out how I can show that idea in a two dimensional form. This thinking process usually takes a fair amount of time while I play with different ideas in my head. Once something is established, I then create the quilt in software (Affinity Designer) at the exact size I want the finished piece. Using the shapes in the software, I then calculate the amount of fabric I need to buy as I keep only a small stash. Then the rest of the process is somewhat conventional piecing. I then baste the sandwich together with homemade starch in order to use my small longarm that uses a clamping system.

Steep Courthouse Steps by Karen Maple
Steep Courthouse Steps

Which artists do you admire? What draws you to their work?

Despite being a modern quilter, I admire the old European masters. Tintoretto’s mastery of perspective is amazing. Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” is just a fascinating illustration of life. Francisco Goya’s “The 3rd of May, 1808” can make you viscerally feel like you are in the scene. More current artists I like are Lewis Hine, Edward Hopper, Donald Judd, and Wangechi Mutu. A diverse group of artists with the ability to convey meaning beyond the surface.

Differences by Karen Maple
Differences
Karen Maple Quote

What is the most challenging part about being a fiber artist?

In the fine art world, statement and political pieces are generally well accepted as part of genre. For example, Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” shows the horrors of war and is the most popular piece the Museo Reina Sofia en Madrid. Unfortunately in the quilting world, a vocal part of the attendees does not want to see any political commentary at a quilt exhibit. Some jurors take this into consideration when reviewing entries.

See more of Karen’s work on Instagram.

Love Your Neighbor by Karen Maple
Love Your Neighbor
Melting Ice by Karen Maple
Melting Ice

Interview posted December 2021


Browse through more interviews with makers on Create Whimsy.


Share this article >>

0 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Print

Primary Sidebar

Newest Stories

Table runner pinterest image 9

How to Make a Table Runner

Je Me Souviens weaving by CLaire Renaut

Spotlight: CLaire Renaut, Textile Artist

Solstice weaving by Krystyna Sadej

Spotlight: Krystyna Sadej, Tapestry and Mixed Media Artist

Three honeycomb ornaments finished and on the tree

Fabric Honeycomb Ornament

Aquatic Terrestrial fiber art by Shanna Robinson

Spotlight: Shanna Robinson, Fiber Sculptor

Reflections of Cape Town art quilt by Cynthia England

Spotlight: Cynthia England, Fiber Artist

Selecting Fabrics for Quilting

Devils Due, Photo Credit: Cliff Patrie, quilt by MJ Kinman

Unlock the Secret of Color Interactions

Torch Song art quilt by MJ Kinman

Make Your Quilts Glow with Saturation Contrast

Lila gemstone quilt by MJ Kinman

Add Sparkle to Your Quilts with Value Contrast

Kentucky Home art quilt by MJ Kinman

Add Depth to Your Quilt Designs with Effective Transparencies

Fire and Ice art quilt by MJ Kinman

Manipulate Color to Create Optical Illusions

Popular Posts

Pine Cone Quilt finished

Pine Cone Quilts

Drunkards Path green and turquoise finished

Drunkards Path Quilt Pattern

EPP Moravian Star Tree-6

How to Make an EPP Moravian Star Ornament

Sashiko Stitching Complete

How to Sashiko Stitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Small bag holding embroidery project

Easy Bags to Sew

Finished draped ruana

How to Make A Ruana

Footer

Learn More

  • About
  • Work with Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions

Browse

  • Occasions
  • Destinations

Makers

Spotlight Stories

Marketing for Makers / Biz Tips

Participate

Copyright © 2023 · Create Whimsy®

0 shares