Artist Statement: I approach the design and construction of my quilts much as an artist approaches a canvas. Even though the quilt is made up of individual pieces and/or blocks, I visualize it in its entirety. For this reason I do not consider myself a "traditional" quilter but rather a maker of art quilts.

My work is influenced by many things - classes I have taken, nature, African designs, music, and my imagination - to name a few. I usually work in a series with each quilt unique but building on a theme. Currently I am working in three different series - diagonally split squares, the work of artists in other media, and three-dimensional quilts.

I piece my quilts in an improvisational manner, using primarily cotton and silk fabrics that I have dyed myself. I use no templates or ruler, but cut freely. I love the challenge of spontaneous piecing, of making everything fit together. I quilt by machine using lines that not only hold the quilt together, but also enhance the piecing or tell a story on their own.

Although much of my work is rooted in traditional quilt making, I continually strive to create works that break the established mold. I feel that my current quilt making is leading me to new forms, and I find myself constantly asking the question, "What if…?"

Chinese Chrysanthemum Series: Guo Hua Yu Qing

Materials & Techniques: Hand dyed fabrics. Machine piecing and quilting.