What happens when you stitch together poet, artist, and thrifter?
Bio
I have written two books of poetry, Splitting the Soil (Finishing Line Press) and Second Sight (Kelsay Press). My passion is poetry, CNF, and textiles. I hold an MFA in Writing from Spalding University, and AB in English from The University of Georgia. I have been published in multiple journals and have taught in both the college setting and non-academic settings. I love to speak about my passion on the craft of writing and introduce my audience to new writers. You may find samples of my work here. Home is Southern Appalachia, Blairsville, GA, where I reside with my family and our dog, Bosley.
The Textile Story
I've always loved to thrift, and over the years I've collected many abandoned quilts, never thinking I would make one. I also am a poet and labeled myself as only that until I had cancer. Shortly after surgery and treatment, I realized words didn't come as easily. But I began to sew fabric together...and before I knew it, I was an improv or "modern" quilter. Poetry and quilting have a great deal of overlap in regard to form/pattern and free verse/improv. What has evolved is an artistic practice where I use existing items to create new ones, often using fabric scraps and thrifted or gifted clothing. I aim for zero waste -- using scraps or items that would end up in the trash or a landfill. Not only do I enjoy creating quilts, but my textile art spans to upcycling or repurposing items, such as turning cigar boxes into purses. My goal is to create usable art that is not only pleasing to the owner, but often also functional. For that reason, no two pieces are exactly the same. Some of the items I keep or gift, others are for purchase here. If you see something that speaks to you, grab it! Enjoy, and thank you for visiting my site and store.