Artist Spotlight and Giveaway: Ann Fahl

I’d like to introduce you to another friend and artist: Ann Fahl.

The first big quilt show I saw was the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival and I was enchanted by this quilt of Ann’s. This picture doesn’t really do justice to the vibrance of the color and the beauty of the cloth and thread. I do remember that show opened my eyes turned me on to quilts as ART!

Lyric: Did you always want to be an artist?
Ann: It was never in my life plan to be an artist. But as a daughter of two classical musicians, I was born an artist. Coloring was one of my first pleasurable activities as a preschooler. My parents would find me coloring in our little office at the front of the house very early in the morning. It was both the act of coloring and enjoying the colors as they appeared on paper that I loved. I also added some crayon drawings to the new wallpaper in my bedroom. I thought I had done a wonderful job of embellishing the little animals and flowers on the paper, but my mother didn’t think so.

Lyric: Describe your journey to becoming an artist.
Ann: My plan was to be a business woman, be CEO of a business or something. After 10 years in retailing I realized that no matter how high I got in the organization I was never going to love the job. I loved to sew, so I quit my job and started “Creative Sewing” I did anything that was needed, clothing, alterations, and home accessories. By accident I took a quilting class, and the rest is history. I also became CEO of my own business.

Lyric: Why textiles as a medium?
Ann: Children are very tactile. Wanting to touch fabrics, animals, flowers is part of human nature. So I am very tactile, but fabrics also add the excitement of color. The machine processes we use now to create quilts, are very repetitive and calming. All these things, when added to my inner artistic base sent me on my way to become a professional artist. Teaching and writing about what I love is a bonus. At this point in my life, thoughts, activities, everything I do is all wrapped together, to create me. It’s hard to separate one part from the rest of me. It’s one big package.

I love hearing about how and why people come to be where they are as artists. We all have such different and fascinating journeys. And now to the really fun part. Ann has a lovely new booklet out called Appliqué Ann’s Way: A new look at machine appliqué. I have a copy for one of YOU!

From her website: “Not everyone likes to appliqué. Ann wants to change that, because there are so many different methods available to us today. In Appliqué Ann’s Way she shares her six favorite methods; all combine the sewing machine with fabric and fusing. You are sure to find one technique that appeals to you! She includes tips and problem solving ideas as well. Whether you are a beginner, experienced or in between, you will find something to help improve and refine your techniques, it just takes a little practice. Whatever your level of ability, there is a technique for you.”

The booklet has 36 pages of instruction and black and white how-to photographs. 5.5″ x 8.5″ with stapled binding. I find her instructions to be clear and understandable and I think you will enjoy it.

Leave a comment here and tell me about your favorite construction technique for creating your textile art.

(happy day – this giveaway is open to my dear international readers!)

And congratulations to Arlene – the winner of the Notebook Covers book. She doesn’t carry a sketchbook with her yet – but maybe she will now!

I think Jeannie’s answer gives us one of the best reasons to do so, “Last winter my Dad suffered a paralysing stroke. It meant packing up quickly and heading out for a 5 hour drive. While staying for a couple of weeks, I found the importance of having a notebook with me. The hospital was old and beautiful. I went to the gift shop and purchased a little memo pad for taking notes from nurses and doctors since we are all at “that” age where nothing stays in memory for long. The lesson was that to keep my sanity, I went to the lobby and drew. I went out in the rain and drew. I have never thought of myself as a drawer or artist, but the ability to focus on something other than my situation was a gift. There is now a notepad and a mini moleskin in my purse – never leave home without it!”