Most artists paint ON fabric, but artist ANNETTE GRIGSBY doesnt. She paints WITH fabric! While quilting bees and quilters replicate traditional patterns in practicing this traditional craft, Annette has converted her extraordinary quilting talent to that of a new and unique art medium, fabric art.
(PRWEB) February 9, 2004--Most artists paint ON fabric, but artist ANNETTE GRIGSBY doesnt. She paints WITH fabric! While quilting bees and quilters replicate traditional patterns in practicing this traditional craft, Annette has converted her extraordinary quilting talent to that of a new and unique art medium. Fabric art.
I was born in Missouri, raised in Arkansas, married a Louisiana man in Mississippi and spent the last 43 years learning, teaching and traveling all over the country making quilts," Annette says. She finally ended up in Kansas, Americas mid-point, where she continues to innovate and redefine her craft . . . her art . . . well, her artistic craft.
Her first memory of sewing was as a small child making doll clothes with her sisters on the front porch of their Eudora, Arkansas, home. Fifty years later the obviously gifted brood of three sisters, Annette, Betty Sanders (Cactus Flower Gifts) and Nancy Campbell (Designs on You), now strewn by the tides of life from Washington state to Texas, are all three Charter Exhibitors in OurCraftShow.com, a recently launched online virtual arts and crafts show.
Annette set a previously unexplored course for her talents, never satisfied with as good as any. Of course, as soon as I learned the way they told me to do something, I figured out a better way for me," Annette explains. While some quilting patterns suggest three dimensional objects, like cubes and stars, Annettes quilting adds an unusual ingredient of depth and perspective to the picture. Her departure from repetitive patterns and shapes gave her the freedom to create images, scenes and interpretations not previously or elsewhere seen in the quilting community. Taking depth a step further, some of her works are actually in full relief, like her Le Fleur, pictured above [photo available if not attached].
So, when Annette entered into quilting competitions it surprised no one but Annette that she took the field by storm. Her work has won awards in both national and international competitions. First place, International Hoffman Competition; Finalist, Good Housekeeping Quilt Contest; Specialty Award from Woodlawn Plantation; and blue ribbons from too many state fairs and regional competitions to list.
Recognition is always appreciated, but its evident that Annette is not driven by her competitive side. I confess, I havent kept up with all of the awards. There are a lot of others, but I just gave most of the awards away with the piece," says Annette.
No, what drives Annette is the only motivation strong enough to push an artist to the top of her craft, the love of her work. While her bent for detail and perfection is evident in the workpiece itself, her own description reveals the thought, concept and emotion she attempts, no, succeeds, in conveying. Of her Watchers From the Shore, shown above [photo available if not attached], she writes You can almost hear the murmurs of amazement as the three natives witness the three ships' arrival in their world. Were these gods or men? Were they friend or foe? Hidden among trees and foliage, you can see the fear in the way they hold their bodies." A lesser passion would have produced a lesser work.
Just as there is only one original Sunflowers", one original Irises", most of Annettes pieces are one of a kind, like Watchers From the Shore, Christmas Eve at Our House, Americas First Land-Sailing Adventure, Ive Got the Blues X 3 and Sweet Caroline. But the same craftsmanship and originality are found in her other pieces, like her Forever Friends series.
Annette Grigsbys work can be seen and purchased on the internet at her booth (Annettes Fabric Art) at www.OurCraftShow.com.
###
Photo (available if not attached): Fabric Artist, Annette Grigsby, with her Eternal Orbits; Top right: Le Fleur; Bottom right: Watchers From the Shore
Note to Editor: Annette Grigsby is available for interview and additional information and material.
|
