I am a self-taught fiber artist, and although most of my work is in the form of quilted pieces, art dolls and fiber collage assemblages have recently begun to sing to me. I have always been considered “creative” by family and friends but it was about twelve years ago now that I became truly enthralled. My first profession, as a clinical psychologist, has taught me that we all connect with our purest selves through play. In that space we are renewed and rejuvenated, allowing ourselves to be delighted by our own creations. I seek out this opportunity to play and create as often as I can – and I find that in doing so I have re-created my professional identity. A fiber artist is born.

As I fully embrace my own African-American heritage and identity in my art, I am also endlessly inspired by the aesthetic of many other cultures. Ethnic images and motifs profoundly appeal to me and I often incorporate, and overlap elements from different cultures in the textile pieces I create. Unexpected combinations of textiles, fibers, pattern and aesthetics is a repeated theme in most of my work. Inspiration hits me in many different ways – more times than not it’s a piece of fabric that snares me. I love the color, pattern, depth, texture and motion fabric has to offer. Speed is often sacrificed for my love of hand-work. I work with a variety of different fibers and textiles, and my work ranges from the more traditional manipulation of fabric and fiber to the more contemporary. Most of my pieces reflect depth and texture. In much of my work this is accomplished through the use of color and pattern play. Also, many of my quilted wall pieces and art dolls are heavily stitched, beaded or otherwise embellished. I am drawn to art for the love of play, and the opportunity it provides for both quiet reflection and wild-eyed glee.

Exhibits:

You Can't Fail 2010 Conference – September, 2010. Sponsored by Gwen, Inc - a company designed to nurture, support and inspire great leadership, the conference housed the solo exhibit of several of my pieces.

eARTh: Near and Far, An exhibit celebrating Earth Day 2008
Casa Frela Gallery, 47 West 119th Street, New York, NY
Six of my art quilts were exhibited as well as my contribution to a gown designed by the gallery owner, Lawrence Rodriguez.

April Art Exhibit
Syracuse Technology Garden, Syracuse, NY
Seven of my art quilts, including a brand new art quilt "Gaia's Smile" were exhibited in this beautiful space through the end of July.

Commissions:

President and CEO of Gwen, Inc. – Gwen Webber-McLeod commissioned the piece "Yemoja's Repose" to be presented to Rev. Dr. Iyanla Vanzant at the 2010 You Can't Fail Conference in Syracuse, New York.

Francis House, Syracuse, New York; June/2000
Received commission to design and install a wall quilt ("Thelma's Sky" - 45" x 72") for Francis House - a residential hospice program operating through the Catholic Diocese of Central New York.

Southwest Community Center: FACES program, Syracuse, New York; September/1999
Commission completed for the design and installation of a commemorative quilt honoring clients who have died of AIDS-related diseases. The quilt "All Flames Are One" was presented during a World AIDS Day dinner.