Joan Colvin is the author of Quilts from Nature published by That Patchwork Place in 1993, and The Nature Of Design published by Fiber Studio Press in 1996. In 1997, her work was included in Fine Art Quilts by the same publisher. Her work appears in Quilting Masterclass, issued in 2000 by Quarto Publishing Company, London, England, and on the September 2000 cover of NeedleArts magazine. Nature’s Studio, her newest book, was published by C&T in June 2005.
Currently she divides her professional time between studio work and teaching. Her pieces have been juried into shows and galleries throughout the US and abroad. The La Conner Quilt Museum showcased 30 of her pieces and she has had a number of other one-woman shows. She has appeared on PBS’s “Quilts of the Northwest” and “American Quilts,” and she was named one of the 380 finalists for the 20th Century’s Best American quilts. Joan has installed a large wall piece for Providence Hospital’s Women’s and Childrens’ Pavilion in Everett, Washington. Her work was selected for display in Tokyo as part of the show and publication “The 30 Distinguished Quilt Artists of the World 2003″.
Workshop Description
Nature’s Studio
Over the years I have taught a design class, and the titles and contents have evolved as my interests evolve. My current book deals with the elements of design that I have found important in establishing a personal style. It asks simple questions and gives examples from my work to guide students in their search for independence and a unique voice. Because we all have apprehensions as we try to work on our own, this book deals not only with some usable fabric techniques, but also touches on the ups and downs of the creative process. Exploring potential ideas, learning to look carefully, and understanding what interaction you are seeking with your fabric are important parts of the textile world as well as the art world.
