We would like to introduce you to Elisabeth Nacenta de la Croix. We met here at the last European Patchwork Meeting where she was one of the invited artist.
Elisabeth lives in Switzerland. She is an active member of SAQA (Studio Art Quilt Associates) and she was the curator of the two European contests “Wide Horizons I & II” presented at the EPM in 2008 and 2010.
We have asked her to explain us a little the way she works and creates her art quilts; she was very happy to do so and we thank her very much in your name:
 

« Imagine…  Improvisational landscapes »

Since 1992 I play with fabrics using traditional patchwork techniques which led me to a more contemporary style.

Inspiration comes from the images registered in my memory during the daily walks with my dog in parks, in the mountain, along the Leman’s lake, or from images from TV programs or from magazines, books… It is not about reproducing a pattern, but it is a kind of expressive language mixing sewing, embroidery, painting, collage…

I like all the different parts of my work which is exclusively based on improvisation: the choice of the range of colours, the fabrics selection, the construction, the sewing, the embellishment and even the binding.

In my landscapes, I only work with simple shapes such as squares and rectangles cut and settled in an improvisational way.

First I select the size of the future piece. Second I choose “the” fabric I want in my quilt (Prima Donna) which will be the base of the piece; then I work on the range of colours (1 colour, 2 colours or more) and on the value: this is the most important part of the process and it takes all my attention Then I select the different fabrics.

My fantasy decides the colours and the light which intensity and tone give life to the whole design. I mainly use hand dyed fabrics and batiks, so strong with their shapes, shades and so vivid colours.

I go to my working wall with the squares and rectangles cut from my Prima Donna and I settle those pieces in a smooth curve, or line according to my mood; I cut and add another fabric only when I am happy with the result; and I go on and on until the all allowed surface is covered.

When the top is sewn, it is time to embellish. I work on texture with threads, wool or whatever I have, I may add some painted details, and finally I concentrate on the quilting, always done by machine

I feel concern by the impact our way of life have on our world, but it is with a positive tone of voice that I reproduce in my textile landscapes a whole world of colours.

Thank you Elisabeth and please let’s keep in touch!