personal Welcome message

I first started quilting in 2006 when my mother sent me a sewing machine as a surprise gift. Although I had always wanted to learn how to sew as a child, I didn’t have the opportunity. So I took my new machine down to a local quilt shop in the town where I lived and I asked the owner, Pam, if she would teach me how to use it. She agreed, and I started taking informal beginner sewing and traditional quilting lessons from her once a week for about four months, then every once in a while as my work schedule would permit for another year.

I quickly developed a passion for quilting. I immediately and intuitively knew that this art form was innumerable with possibilities, from the traditional styles of quilting to art quilts. However, it wasn’t until 2017 when I retired from a career in higher education administration that I was able to devote myself to quilting full time. Since then, I have continued to learn and develop my sewing, quilting, and other textile art skills.

I started my ArtSewDifferent studio in 2017 with the idea of having a small art and craft shop. I tried the Etsy platform, then moved my shop to my website. I enjoyed it. However, I soon discovered that I preferred to focus on creating fine art rather than crafts. As a quilt artist, I identify as an artist who uses textiles and quilting techniques as my medium, rather than the other way around.

My art quilts are often rooted in emotion, images, and concepts, rather than in traditional block patterns. Some of my art quilts are culturally based. Others have themes that explore social issues. Some are modern abstract quilts, influenced by major 20th century art and philosophy movements. I can be inspired by music or my own memories and emotions of a time or place. Additionally, having grown up in two different cultures influences my work, as do my formal education backgrounds. All of these influences may find their way into a piece I create. It could be in my fabric choices, use of applique, quilting patterns, or the overall piece. I use traditional techniques as well as ones I invent and develop. Some of my materials wouldn’t be found in a traditional quilt. The themes and images that I explore and create are truly unique.

During 2021 I have continued to transform and hone my art work. But as Robert Frost said, I have “miles to go before I sleep.”

Thank you for visiting.

-Mara