Tea with Betty Pillsbury

Betty Pillsbury, me and Margaret Betz. Margaret is an incredible artist and will be leading the Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Arts Alliance workshop on Bead Embroidery this week.

There has been much discussion on Quiltart.com the past few days about art, good design, and embellishment. One member and her friend had visited a joint exhibit of contemporary quilts and traditional quilts. Her friend was unfamiliar with "art quilts" and was generally disappointed in them. Too much embellishment for the sake of embellishment, and not enough thought about design.

I read this after having put about 40 hours into sewing beads on Sally Sells Sea Shells, with at least 40 more to go. If you read Quiltart, you will know that the comments were flying (and still are, though the discussion has now evolved into the oft discussed topic of what is "art"). In the end, good design is what matters. Embellishment will not make up for, or hide a lack of good composition and design. Is Sally well designed? Heck, I don't know. But I like it, I am enjoying the process of making it, and, you know what? That's what really counts most.

Crazy Quilters are the queens of embellishing. Embellishment is one of the most important aspects of a crazy quilt. And Saturday, in the studio of Fiber on a Whim, Betty Pillsbury engaged in an informal lecture and presentation of her work. She has won many awards for her work. As I listened to her talk about her work, her techniques, and words of inspiration and encouragement to others, I could clearly hear her desire to help others achieve a higher level of skill.

For those of us who are still reaching for mastery of our medium, hearing those encouraging words from artists whom we admire, and who have "made" it, is invaluable. It feeds the part of our muse that sometimes feels discouraged. Betty Pillsbury and other masters who generously share encouragement are the stewards of the budding-artist community.

That's why I love the Contemporary Quilt and Fiber Arts Alliance so much and the people who are come to share, learn, and advance their skills. With egos checked at the door, we gather together, learn something new, have fun and enjoy the process.

Sharon Ahmed and others take a closer look at Betty Pillsbury's workmanship. It is superb.

Betty's husband ducked out of sight to enjoy his book.

Here are two prospective new CQFAA members taking acloser look at our upcoming calendar! Come on ya'll are welcome!