Judy Simmons
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I creates my art quilts through a variety of techniques including layering, digital imagery and stitch. Starting with white fabric, I incorporate a number of processes which include dyeing, image transfers, screening, painting and various forms of printing. I pull a lot of my subject matter from personal photography and a large collection of family documents and pictures all of which connect me to my heritage.
My chosen craft was greatly influenced by my family who made everything with their sewing machines. Because of the many tools available to artists today, I’ve been able to pursue avenues not available to them. I work intuitively, pulling inspiration from the things I love - old family pictures, papers peeling paint, interesting rocks and crumbling stones on sidewalks and buildings – things that have endured the elements of time, things that are interesting not necessarily beautiful. I find I am drawn more and more to this type of subject matter. I am fascinated with the many colors and textures associated with fiber. Heavy thread work used in conjunction with fabrics created through surface design techniques help to capture the imperfections and simplistic beauty of nature. Presently, I draw from a collection of family documents along with my own photography as a basis for image layering and transfers. I enjoy capturing the destructive forces of nature and transferring them to fabric. Both documents and pictures provide an interesting backdrop for organic subject matter. The resiliency of nature juxtaposed with its destructive forces provide a unique balancing act and lend a haunting quality to each piece. It has been a goal of mine to be a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild for over 20 years….ever since I attended their first show while on a visit from Atlanta. Shortly after moving to Asheville in 2003, that goal became a reality. I currently teach surface design and machine embellishment techniques and am the author of 2 books. Visit me at my shared website with other fiber artists.