What a wonderful and f-u-n-n-y lecture Gwen gave, with no microphone, I might add! And her quilts? They're gorgeous of course, and quite stunning since they are all made of solid fabrics!
Gwen impressed me the way no other quilt artist has up until know. She lives on an island 33 miles off the coast of Michigan. An island that's so small she cannot even buy underwear there (she informed us). She works in her studio with no distractions - no TV and no music, just listening to the sounds of nature - and says she's very productive that way. She doesn't have email, but does have a computer and a website. I found her to be refreshingly "real." And, she's funny. I don't think the smile ever left my face the entire time she was speaking.
Her quilts emerge, one from the next, because she likes what she's just done, but wants to change it up a bit with the next one. She was hilarious when describing her work using large squares that gradually evolved into small squares. It wasn't any earth-shattering philosophy, rather it was "I like squares, but I'm sick of large squares so let's try small squares." This simple attitude has allowed her to create some stunning quilts.
I cannot imagine Gwen and Freddy in the same room at the same time. It would be too hilarious! Oh, by the way...I "purchased" Gwen's autograph and this great book came with it! If you don't own a copy already, you might want to get one...it's very inspirational!
