Joen Wolfrom's book, Color Play: Easy Steps to Imaginative Color in Quilts, is available from C&T Publishing.
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Excerpts from the Experts
Interview with Joen Wolfrom
What inspires your work? How do new ideas come to you in your quiltmaking?
I am very affected by my natural surroundings, and this, in effect, gives me a source for my creative adventures. The beautiful nuances in the morning or evening skies; the subtle colors and design structures in the garden; the fascinating intricacies of asymmetry in nature are all visual feasts to my eyes. I respond to beautiful color play.
Ideas pop into my head constantly. My best ideas seem to come when I am walking or in the shower----both activities are times when my mind seems to be more relaxed and receptive to listening to my right brain. I regret that I am so busy teaching and writing that I do not have the time to put most of my ideas into quilts.
I try to be true to my design personality. I try not to let the whims or fashions of the moment dictate change in myself. I want the changes I make to come from desired growth within me---not from pressure to do what others are doing.
If you could offer one piece of advice for quiltmakers today, what would it be?
Actually, if you don't mind, I have more than one suggestion for quilters. Here goes---
1. I think it is wonderful to be as independent as possible in quiltmaking. Therefore, I am an advocate for every quilter learning how to draft patterns, becoming knowledgeable in design and color basics, and having strong practical sewing and quilting skills. This means taking classes, reading books, and practicing, practicing, practicing. In time, everything comes together naturally.
2. As quilters we are too fearful about making mistakes. We are unduly concerned about making a perfect quilt. What we need to realize is that perfection and creativity are not synonymous. It is almost impossible to be creative and perfect at the same time. Thus, with each project we should determine which process is our goal: perfection or creative growth.
Creativity requires taking risks, exploring, and dealing with unknowns. When you are learning a new technique or concept, it is unreasonable to expect perfection. If you want to learn or explore a new concept or technique, give yourself permission to enjoy the process. Learning is often best when punctuated with a mistake or two---even if you are not too enthralled with the consequences at the moment.
Making a perfect quilt is best to strive for when you work with skills or techniques you know very well. It pleases us greatly to make quilts as perfectly as possible for special gifts or events, such as weddings or births. If you are interested in making a perfect quilt for such an occasion, then work within your world of known techniques and concepts. This is not a time for learning new skills.
3. Lastly, enjoy yourself. Have fun quilting. It will reward you with beautiful quilts, fascinating explorations, unknown talents, and great friendships. What more could you ask for?
---Joen Wolfrom
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