I had a nice surprise in my mailbox recently–my new copy of Art Quilts International: Abstract & Geometric by Martha Sielman–that includes my quilt Red Totem!Art Quilts International: Abstract & Geometric - Martha SielmanThis is a lovely book with beautiful pictures of 300 quilts from 124 quilt artists all over the world, and I’m honored that one of my quilts was included. The book features in-depth interviews with 29 artists that allow you a window into the world of each one. Most of the artists are familiar, but there are some that are new to me, and I’m learning a lot working my way through the interviews.

The other artists, like me, have one piece featured in one of three galleries of work. Martha says in her introduction that she had an overwhelming response to her call for entries, and it was difficult to narrow down the work to fit into the book. “Most importantly, their work stuck in my head. I kept coming back to these powerful images that grabbed my attention and wouldn’t let go,” she said.

Martha is the executive director of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) and I’ve gotten to know her over the years that I’ve volunteered for the organization.

There are a lot of different approaches to abstract, geometric art quilts in this book, and it’s a great resource for artists, collectors and others. I highly recommend it!

2010 Red Totem - Cindy Grisdela Art Quilts

2010 Red Totem – Cindy Grisdela Art Quilts

Red Totem has always been one of my favorite pieces–it was one of the first quilts I made using a single improvisational block set asymmetrically in a rectangular composition. The contrast between the red background and the complementary green stripes gives an active feel to the design when viewed from a distance. Dense free motion quilting using different motifs in each quadrant makes it interesting to look at from a closer perspective.

I’m working on a big commission that I can’t really share yet, so I’ve been a little quiet lately. I hope to be able to share some new work very soon!