lauriestoneart's Profile

Bio

Laurie Stone
Olympia, WA


About the Artist

I began sewing when my Mormon grandmother taught me how to do traditional quilting when I was 8 years old. Since then I have always been creating something out of one thing or another. My work has evolved over the years through my contact with a number of inspiring artists. By working with them, I have kept my art fresh and ever changing. I have shown and sold my work through textile groups, art centers and art shows.
I’ve worked in many media including, clay, oil paints, paper and, always beads! My experience includes carving, wheel throwing and Raku firing, bronze casting, drawing, and making lampwork beads. I have woven fabric, dyed fabric, and spun silk threads to use in traditional Japanese embroidery.  I eventually found that I was spending my free time playing with fabrics and beads and realized that that is where my passion and strengths lie.
I love touching different textures, seeing the different elements unite and become a piece with balance and life. With the innovation of free motion quilting I found that I could use fabric, quilting, and appliqué as a way to create my art. Now it was so much easier to develop a style and take advantage of the freedom to create spontaneously. I’ve never been one to plan a piece in advance. I tend to design quickly, trying out combinations of colors and patterns, sometimes 20-30 different fabrics at a time. The beading is all hand sewn and the quotes are created on my computer and transferred to fabric using a number of different techniques.
The materials really dictate the size and the mood of every piece. The pieces can make themselves to a certain extent. It’s seems that at times it really is best if “I” stay out of the process. It becomes obvious what belongs together and more importantly when the piece is complete! I try to work with natural material, hand woven and dyed fabrics. I have tried to use all aspects of nature in my pieces...materials from the earth-affected by fire and the sun. I’m sure I could fit wind in there somewhere.....
I’ve found that the words I use in my pieces represent “me”. I was actually surprised when I realized there where other people who understood what I was saying and could take the words and apply them so easily to themselves. My pieces are meant to make you feel good... I need them to do that for me, they are my reminder to do what they say. The colors and shapes draw me to them and then they “say” what I need to hear!

Favorite Materials