Spotlight: Sheila Frampton Cooper, Fiber Artist

Sheila Frampton Cooper intended to drop fabric off for Project Linus and ended up joining the group and making 35 quilts her first year. Her joyful and colorful fiber art pieces are inspired by her travels and the world around her.

How did you get started making fiber art? Why did you choose that medium? Or did it choose you?

I never had an interest in any needle arts whatsoever, so I’d say – it found me. I answered a call to be of service in January 2009, and this led me to Project Linus. Initially, I purchased some fabric to drop off, and planned to do that and continue on with my day. 

However, when I walked in and saw a table set up with freezer paper backed fabric (This was set up for the kids that came that day. It was an official day of service in honor of MLK Day.) I thought to myself, “I don’t sew, but I can draw…” and proceeded to design blocks using the fabric markers that were provided. 

At the end of the day, as I was leaving, I heard a little voice in my head… “Hey Sheila, you like to make things, why don’t you join these ladies?” I immediately responded, “OK!” That first year I made 35 quilts for Project Linus, and the rest is history. 

What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?

I don’t know really, I just do me. I create from a joyful place, and I like surprises, which is why I enjoy improv so much. Creating a signature style is not something I set out to do – it just happened. I do not have an agenda when I create. I express, I allow. 

What inspires you to create?

Everything I’ve ever seen and experienced. I’ve always created some form of art, and I never lost that childhood freedom of just seeing what happens. I feel many adults have. This may be why my work feels different. I like to be free, I enjoy creating in the same way. And I LOVE to express myself with color. 

Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing?

There are occasions when I create a piece from a drawing, but that is not what happens when I’m creating improv works. I do just jump in the start cutting and sewing, and then it shows me where it wants to go. 

How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired?

I’m a free spirit and not terribly disciplined person in this regard. My time is not what it used to be, due to all of my other ventures. I always have a sketchbook handy, by my bed, and in my car, for when an idea comes through. This happens a lot at night. 

Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs do you think you have?

I used to be a finisher, and I do miss that. I finish now, but there are pieces that I know will take more time, so I may put them aside for a time. I always come back if it’s something that excites me. I probably have projects in the wings, and I have a lot of tops that are done, but I haven’t had the time to quilt them yet. 

Describe your creative space.

My creative space is in my home, and of course, I need more room! Don’t we all? I do have this cool piece of furniture that I purchased in 2022, and it’s called a “DreamBox.” It is pretty awesome, and I have my quilting supplies on one side, and painting supplies on the other. It just looks cool, and it makes my small space feel a lot more organized. 

Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop?

When I’m out and about, I keep a sketchbook nearby. I enjoy drawing when I’m in an interesting restaurant or sitting outside somewhere. I often go to the Getty Center Garden, to sit and draw. 

My improv work is totally different, and I never work from a sketch or a preconceived idea, when I’m in that mode. 

When you travel, do you create while on planes and in waiting areas? What is in your creative travel kit?

I do draw on my iPad, and maybe I’ll sketch. I don’t knit or crochet, but I recently bought a knitting book by the British olympic diver, Tom Daley. I feel I bought it more because I like him, rather than a serious intent to knit! LOL

How often do you start a new project? Do you work actively on more than one project at a time?

These days, not very often, and my projects take a long time. I spend a lot of time teaching, which I love, but this has definitely impacted my time in the studio working and creating new work. In the old days, it was one after another. I was always working on something. That’s not the case these days, however, I create a lot of different things because I’m also a designer. 

Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about?

The only conscious inspiration is typically color. For example, I have created a few pieces that were inspired by the colors that touched me at a particular location. Ruins of Roussillon is one of those pieces. 

Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you?

I love it all, but constructing my visions and only piecing them can be challenging. However, I love this! I love the challenge of bringing out what I see in my mind’s eye, into quilt form. 

How is your work different than it was in the beginning? How is it the same?

The first three art quilts didn’t have a lot of curved piecing. But that all changed! By my fourth pieced art quilt, this new way of piecing was in full effect. I don’t know how it’s changed because I don’t really think about that sort of thing. Each piece is a time capsule for what I was going through at the time. 

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work? 

I don’t have to do anything. I am an artist, a creative person. I’ve always been and always will be. I see visions, and I am full of ideas, so I don’t need motivation for that. It’s more of a matter of time for me these days. 

Do you critique your own work? What is your process? 

Yes, I do. But this is happening as I’m creating. I have good eyes, and I know what looks right to me and what does not. I don’t enjoy being too intellectual in this regard. I feel my way through the process. 

Do you lecture or teach workshops? How can students/organizers get in touch with you to schedule an event?

Yes, I do teach and have done so since 2013, I believe. The silver lining of the quarantine was that I finally began to teach virtually. This has been a blessing in so many ways, and I have students from all over the world. This was very comforting during the early days of the pandemic. 

I have a dedicated website for my virtual workshops: FiberArtWorkshops.art

Tell us about your blog and/or website. What do you hope people will gain by visiting?

Well, they won’t gain much from visiting my blog, because this is not something I enjoy. However, I was active before, and many of my adventures are still on my blog. That is a different website, my main artist site is: Zoombaby.com

Last year, I opened my first Etsy shop called “Abstrakt Art Prints” and this is very exciting for me. I have wearable art, as well as framed canvas prints, and more is coming. This is something I always wanted to do, and I design what I love, and share it with others. 

IG is the quickest and easiest way that I share what I’m up to, as well as my Facebook page. 
https://www.instagram.com/sheilaframptoncooper
https://www.facebook.com/sheilaframptoncooper

Learn more about Sheila’s workshops: FiberArtWorkshops.art