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 Folk Art Life with Jantje |
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Carla Price Fabric Folk Art by jantje blokhuis-mulder
"Quilts are soft, warm and bring about cozy thoughts."
While walking through a fundraising event in St. Andrews New Brunswick, Canada, I spotted a gorgeous wall hanging. Walking nearer, I discovered even more fabulous pieces - dazzling creations of cloth and string, bold, bright and beautiful. I simply had to know more about the artist.
Carla Price, is a quilter and fabric artist who is, for the most part, self-taught. Inspired by her surroundings, Carla collects box upon box of fabric swatches, thread, yarn, buttons and beads. Using the materials at her disposal, she crafts folk art images for all to enjoy.
I asked Carla about her art, her life and her inspiration. Here is what she had to say...
How and when did you begin creating folk art?
In 1987 I took a beginner quilting class with a friend. I immediately
fell in love with making quilts and began creating one after another. Soon
I was making my own designs. I studied so many techniques and had so many
ideas that I wanted to try, so I started to make wallhangings. They were
smaller and could be made more quickly.
A friend approached me in 1995 and asked if I could make a pictorial for
her. My first machine applique pictorial wallhanging was of her son long
jumping in their back yard. Due to the positive responses and encouragement
I have been making them ever since.
How much of an impact did your surroundings as a child have on the type of
art work you do today?
Both of my parents were very good with their hands. Practically every
thing we had was homemade. The ability to create with my hands has come
from them. I grew up in the small New Brunswick community of Hartland. It is nestled in the
Saint John River Valley. I have always spent a great deal of time outdoors
and love nature.
I walk daily in the woods and by the water and I receive much pleasure in
watching the seasons change.
Tell me about your work.
The process to create a wallhanging begins with a photograph or theme.
The image can be of a building, beautiful landscape, or practically
anything. Then, working from a sketch I select or dye fabrics which depict
the elements and emotions within the image. The process includes piecing,
appliqueing and quilting. A majority of the work is done by machine,
although I enjoy some handwork in every piece.
I enjoy making custom orders, but when I do not have any orders, I make my
own scenes that I display in various galleries and quilt shops in eastern
North America.
Who is or was the greatest influence on your work?
Lorraine Stangness from Strathmore, Alberta was probably the greatest
influence on my work. She is a nationally recognized quilter, author and
teacher/lecturer. I met her on my first trip to the Canadian Needlecraft
and Sewing Festival in Toronto in 1995 and she has encouraged and advised me
numerous times since.
What has influenced your choice of media?
My choice of medium for the pictorial landscape wallhangings evolved
from the traditional quilt making. Quilts are soft, warm and bring about
cozy thoughts. By hanging them on a wall they can make a room quieter and
more inviting.
What is the most difficult aspect of what you do?
Self promotion and sales.
What kind of self-promotion do you do?
I am a member of the Charlotte County Quilters Guild, St. Croix
International Quilters Guild and the Canadian Quilters Association. I show
my work in galleries, enter competitions and sell patterns.
You can find Carla's glorious work at the following stores and galleries. You can also reach her via email at blprice@nbnet.nb.ca to find out more about her creations or to talk with her about custom work for you.
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