Fiberarts and machine embroidery

Every once in a while, I come across an artist that is superb in every which way. Two years ago, at the AEC conference, one of the items in the Yankee swap was a pencil drawing of an old barn by Laurie Wright. It took all of my bargaining power to get that particular painting which is by the way hanging in my home now. It was then that I was introduced to this lovely lady. This year at the AEC, there was another wonderful wall hanging by Laurie Wright but it was created using fabrics and threads. The moment I saw it I knew I had to have it. Fiberarts has always interested me and I find anyone who can manipulate threads and fabrics to create paintings, a wonderful art. The wall hanging however, did not come home with me….it was that spectacular that the last person to gain it would not bargain at all with me on anything…oh well. But it was fun trying.

After the Yankee swap I did manage to visit with Laurie and was amazed by her various projects that she had with her to show. Each and everyone of them were amazing. When asked if she has a website for showing her creativity and if she sells her creations…the response was that she would love to. Artists are special people…they see beauty in most things which many of us miss out on and that is where I saw through Lauries’ works. She has a knack for taking simple images and transforming them via fabric and thread into beautiful images. In all her works there is a lot of movement which immediately draws the eye. Small details are enhanced via her use of various threads.

I wrote  her and asked if she woud mind my writing about her and if she would send me a bit about herself. I’m enclosing her response below.

I began tinkering around with sewing as a child. Hand sewed dolly dresses from the rag drawer. When I married my motivation to sew was to save money on curtains and have matching bedspreads. My CREATIVE outlet was pencil drawing. After my first sewing conference which happened to be the AEC in Atlanta (not sure what year… the one with pencil drawing), I began to seriously sew. My creative outlet became making purses. Attended a Babylock conference
October 2005 and purchased an embellisher…. I’ve enjoyed merging all the creative aspects of machine sewing with my enjoyment of pencil drawing. I work full time and have 3 boys. Received my first whole sale purse order last week. I am never bored!

Well, I would never be bored if I was a fly in her work studio… My understanding is that at the moment, Laurie does not have a website but she is working on it. However, her creations can be viewed at Flickr studios: http://www.flickr.com/photos/doodlebugdezines/    Do visit and see some of her exceptional creations.  They are all beautiful. As Laurie told me she does not do people, rather landscapes…well….Laurie, the lady on the beach is absolutely stunning…I love it. Btw, Laurie does take personal orders until her website is set up. You can reach her at this email address: doodle4dezines@yahoo.com.