I was invited to participate in ‘Around the World Blog Hop’ by fabric surface design artist Carol R. Eaton. Carol is the curator of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) - Color Wheel of Emotions. It’s so honor to have my work, Warm Love, selected in the show. We’ve never met in person before, but we have several emails with each other. She is a talented and enthusiastic artist. Please take a look at her blog: http://carolreatondesigns.blogspot.com/

The ‘Around the World Blog Hop’ is based on four questions. Here are my answers.

What am I working on?

I have completed 85 pieces of work so far. My creations can be divided into 3 different categories:

(1) Works that are not very big made with simple hand-sewing techniques can be completed rapidly with a flexible schedule.

(2) Specified or invitational works which must follow a set of specifications were usually created within a tight time frame. Free time would be diverted to finish the work before the deadline.

(3) Supersized projects measuring up to 400 cm x 360 cm with many specifications are sometimes used in to teach courses or collaboratively worked on in societies or groups. These large designs usually need a scheduled sewing plan as well as a plan for sharing risks and liabilities as these projects face potential challenges in the level of participants and materials used. Finished projects were usually used in collaboration with world environmental topics. The participation of social groups helps to achieve the objective of public promotion. Design of these collaborative projects was carried out by one person and the sewing work divided between every participant.

These 3 design categories will persist because they each have their own reason for existence.

I am a quilter who loves hand-stitch more than machine-stitch. As a result, to endure the lacking of time and overcome complicated affairs have been a long-term training for me. Facing difficulties calmly, thinking carefully and reach the goals is what I practice everyday. I am very thankful to every adversity that giving me the chance to grow and improve myself.

How does my work differ from others of its genre?

My works mainly focus on the exploration of “natural patterns”.

As we observe nature from a human perspective, we discover that everything has its own innate reason for existence. Every matter has its own natural form. From this natural form we derive a definition for aesthetics. Any naturally-occurring form would support the transformation of creative works without the use of force. Complicated logic would affect an otherwise robust creative space. Mystery links relationships together, forming a manifestation of mutual understanding. Artists have the privilege to voluntarily allow nature to guide every reaction when expressing their understanding of nature. Each natural reaction felt represents a wondrous transformation and model of beauty.

I tried to stick to the feeling of learning from nature, relying on my shallow understanding as I traced the contours of nature. The beautiful subconscious origin of my creativity is combined with my awakened principles of design.

Abstract imaginations in fiber design and design highlights of natural, regenerated or imitation fibers are either for human use or to provide abstract spatial decoration. It can be manifested in a conceptual form or intangibly, unrestricted by scale to expand its metamorphosing effects on space.

Contour designs we learnt from nature can be used to transform fabric, allowing our vision to leap between different emotions brought forth by fiber and contour. Creative visualizations emerge from the intersections of lines, giving a dancing visual where uniqueness appears from unity.

Why do I write/create what I do?

Literature, creative writing, music, fine arts or any that involves art, I create only for my interest.

Learning experience of fiber art originates deeply from life instinct; it is the creations of integration encompassed a culture of life. I put all my effort into expanding my horizons to achieve the goal for design and make every detail well-connected to one another. To go beyond the limitation, sometimes I have to break the given standards to pursue the ultimate spirit. Needles and threads are like my mentors; they lead me to absorb and mature. My thoughts and feelings are well-expressed in various forms and beyond boundaries through the narrative talents of works. The unlimited inspirations of Nature are my ideas for creation. I love to play with various kinds of fabrics. Exploring possibilities of combination always brings me new visions. I comprehend the delicate sentiment of every stitched fabric; it is an extension of a unique and moving story. Just like a storybook-a rich loaded with people’s thoughts and feelings. Artworks are more than themselves; they are like “intellectuality” that people can peruse. This meaning of creation gets involved in each work and absorbs the subtle relationship to lines, colors and needles and threads.

How does my writing/creating process work?

I am in my studio from 7 am to 9 pm. My works are divided into three major parts – creating; teaching and doing research, and organizing group activities of TAQS (Taiwan Art Quilt Society). There isn’t a clear schedule on the time of dealing each thing.

Creating is as important as life. My life seemed to be occupied by scheduled work. I usually work on 3 to 4 pieces intermittently. Hand-sewing requires careful time management and careful sewing. Researching new work and projects also occupy a great deal of my time. We must compose and compile research plans according to the needs of the theme, and carry out our work stepwise.

My listening is the weakest when sewing as I would be extremely concentrated on the positioning of my needle. I love hand-sewing best, and both my hands work in tandem often, guiding the threads like a pen writing words. Each stitch was done carefully. At this moment I usually play soft music to provide a background ambience in a quiet space. The music can’t have singing as it may disturb my emotions. Ambient music helps me to concentrate between my needle and my work, allowing me to weave and record every stitch.

For more information about me, please visit my website: http://www.linhsinchen.idv.tw/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hsinchenlin.artquilts

Now, let me introduce artist Martha Wolfe to you! Martha is a very talented fiber artist and printmaker. I met her at IQF-Houston in 2012. We are both members of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) and Viewpoints 9. We often share global environmental issues and creative inspirations. To learn more about Martha Wolfe, please visit: http://www.marthawolfe.com/