JanConwell

My debut as an artist was in first grade, when my hometown museum featured my drawings in an exhibit. I was oil painting by the fourth grade, and sewing/crafting by sixth. I have always loved to make something out of nothing--a scavenger’s mentality I inherited from my mom—and my biggest weakness is an inability to throw away or pass up interesting “found things”.

While I will always need to sculpt something whimsical, ("art for art's sake"), my attention is drawn more and more to making items useful to hearth and home. Textile arts are taking center stage for me; rug hooking, needle punch, wool applique, and quilting (oh, crazy quilting!). There is a strong pull toward the traditional work of creating a warm, comfortable and beautiful home with natural materials. I find it inspiring and satisfying.

I love the challenge of creating folk art with a vintage feel, but not exact reproductions. My approach is that of the Creative Anachronist: to use the methods and materials of the past to create a vision for today.