Artist Statement
| No matter what media I work in, what seems to be created is a work dominated by texture, pattern and design. I use many media, including, fabric, handmade paper, found objects, acrylics, pastel, printmaking, watercolor, ceramics and most recently oil paints. Working in fabric collage allows me to use fabrics in combination with other media to develop an idea. Working in oils with a palette knife combines texture and design. |
| I enjoy planning a sketch and then transforming the composition into a fabric collage. Fabrics come in a variety of weights, colors and textures. Choosing the appropriate fabric and trims from the vast variety that is available is a challenge that I find intriguing and satisfying. The choosing begins the process. |
| My interest in fabric was inspired when I owned and operated a designer consignment shop and the handling of fabrics was something that I grew up with. My mother was a dressmaker and I was always surrounded by materials that were transformed into a wearable garment. Using fabric in my own unique way seems to have evolved as part of my background experience. I am very attracted to selecting, cutting and pasting these bits of color and I think of fabric and paper collage as a mosaic on canvas. I work in my studio every chance I get and enjoy the process of creating art. “It’s healing, enriching and a significant part of my life." |
| Ellen Barnett |
Artist Statement |