ArtKat is the name I go by in my work with textiles that includes quilted wall art and handmade books. I design each piece from start and execute it myself. I may begin with a sketch and often improvise elements, inspired by materials on hand.  I believe in reusing what we can, including former uses to the meaning of each piece. Discarded bookboard makes up most book covers which are embellished with found paper and objects.-* I will use new paper, too, on the cover as needed. Most of the inside paper is blank, allowing the end user to become part of the art-making process, Some books come with content which usually comments upon our shared existence. Books utilize several different binding methods including Japanese stab, coptic, and case.

My quilted art’s subjects include real and fantasy buildings and animals. Life is quirky and strange and my art often reflects this. I begin by piecing or appliqueing the top, then layer it with batting and a back. These layers are usually sewn together by machine (“free-motion quilting”) and sometimes include handwork. Pieces come with hanging apparatus, as needed.