About The Artist - Bio
BIO
Best known for her Fragment series of small fabric collages, Lesley is also an internationally known quilter and mixed-media artist with a passion for photos, color and the written word. She has taught extensively in the US and as far away as Italy and Australia. Her art and articles have appeared in numerous publications and juried shows. In her current position as Contributing Editor of Cloth Paper Scissors magazine, Lesley showcases new talent and mixed media art. Her first book, Quilted Memories, brought new ideas and techniques to quilting and preserving memories. Lesley's second book, Fabric Memory Books, combines fabric and innovative ideas with the art of bookmaking.
In her latest book, Fabulous Fabric Art with Lutradur (January 2009) takes a new material to a new level. Lesley defines Lutradur as ‘the magic in the middle’ – an art material that combines the best properties of both fabric and paper.
Lesley has filmed instructional DVDs with Creative Catalyst Productions and Quilting Arts. Not one to be camera shy, Lesley has also appeared on three episodes of Quilting Arts TV Season 1. With her art and her website, Lesley aspires to inspire others to find their own voice and share in the magic that is art.
In an ongoing effort to find the best ways for quilters and mixed media artists to get permanent photos on fabric, Lesley has introduced Transfer Artist Paper™ affectionately known as TAP™, the state of the art technology for iron-on transfers to fabric.
While not teaching, writing about or making art, Lesley, a Washington, DC native, loves spending time with her husband, 6 children and 5 (soon to be 6) granddaughters.
Artist's Statement
"My Art is about the Magic of Making Art
...the how, the why, the what, even the where has unending fascination for me. My work reflects my life. My family is always present in my art. In the irregularity of my stitches when my 2 year old granddaughter is next to me bouncing in time to Mozart. In the spontaneity of a stolen moment to adjust a composition. In the unexpected color combinations I find after the girls rummage through my fabric stash.
Art is a way of life in our house. I can teach my children and grandchildren now, what it took me over 40 years to discover ~ that creating, making art, is a natural, free-flowing process that requires no special time, no secluded space, no Masters of Fine Art.
There's magic in art. Making art makes us happy. Creating fulfills the eternal longing of the soul. Our soul craves expression. Art is the soul made visible. I create and show my art so that others can get to know the real me. Through my art I hope to inspire others and share the magic.
Naturally, you want to see my art. My creations. My soul made visible. Everyone is curious to see what others have created to see if they can find any meaning in it for themselves. Leo Tolstoy said that "Art is a microscope which the artist fixes on the secrets of his soul and shows to other people these secrets which are common to all."