Artist Pat Guthrie shares her journey as a quiltmaker and a selection from her colorful portfolio. Discover more of her work by visiting her website.
“As the World Turns” textile, 98″ x 82″
After earning a Ph.D. in anthropology, I worked as a professor and chair of Human Development and Women’s Studies at California State University East Bay. Once I retired, I wanted to do something outside the world of academia. Although spending time with college age students was fulfilling and rewarding, it was time for me to move on.
“Letters” textile, 52″ x 78″
As a youngster I was involved with the local YMCA. Two things were my favorite Y activities—swimming (more than fifty years later I still swim regularly) and the arts and crafts program. At the Y, I made everything from Indian costumes complete with leather fringes to potholders using electric loops and an old school red metal frame.
“Peace” textile, 66″ x 49″
On the home front, my mother was a master knitter who taught knitting at the local senior center, so I learned to knit. I have a running joke that knitting was the only domestic activity that my mother taught me. I guess I was a junior “maker” before the term became popular.
“Rolling Color” textile, 79″ x 77″
When I retired, I decided to return full-time to my maker roots. I took a range of community-based arts and craft workshops and classes. I learned knitting with wire, life drawing, photography, painting, felt making, and quilting.
“Hidden Pathways” textile, 92″ x 102″
Back in the day before computers, I always bought calendar books illustrated with quilts. I took my first quilting class at a local fabric store and made a very sweet baby’s quilt. At the same fabric store I next created a queen-sized quilt using a traditional pattern.
“Star” textile, 84″ x 63″
During the class I was quite pleased with myself. Once I brought the finished project home though, I realized that most of the quilt’s points did not line up. Nevertheless, I was hooked on making quilts.
“Forbidden Knowledge” textile, 66″ x 62″
Since I had spent time with quilt calendar books, I was familiar with both traditional pattern-based quilts and contemporary abstract quilts. I did an internet search and found an upcoming abstract quilt making class and attended.
“Black Magic” textile, 34.5″ x 53″
That was the beginning of my abstract quilt making journey. Since then, I have taken classes focusing on various aspects of quilt making. They include fabric dyeing, sewing and finishing techniques, composition, printing on cloth, color theory, and learning to use a long arm quilting machine.
“Flood” textile, 72″ x 69″
Currently I create textiles by first selecting a palette and then working spontaneously without a pattern, drawing, or photo. I cut fabric pieces and arrange them on a design wall. While I do have a vague idea of what direction I’m headed, the final product is always one of a kind and most often a satisfying surprise.