Artist Statement – Jennifer Houlden:
Jennifer Houlden with her kitty, Frostie.
I strongly believe that a craft must be thoroughly learned and practiced before it can truly be personalized into a unique style. And the learning and practicing never ends, so I continue in my quest for new ideas and techniques, exposure to different textile artists and techniques, always looking at how I can incorporate them into my own work.
Expanded Skills
Jennifer Houlden, Sample of a Stitch & Flip Design
As my skills expanded, I developed a love for the sense of movement which can be seen in some quilts and the incorporation of the illusion of movement in quilts, which are inanimate objects, is something I continually strive to achieve. Careful selection of design, colour and placement of fabric are the principal ways that I can enhance this illusion.
Interplay of Hue and Value
Jennifer Houlden, Exceptional Quilting
The interplay of hue and value can make the difference between an ordinary quilt and an exceptional one. I spend many hours working on this aspect of quilt design and try to instil the importance of this facet of quilt design in my students. Many of my art quilts are designed from photographs which my husband or father-in-law have taken. A photography course this summer has made it possible for me to confidently take my own photographs to use in my quilt designs. To capture an image and then interpret and transfer it to fabric to produce an original piece of art is an incredible creative journey.
Studying Photography and Composition
Jennifer Houlden – Sample of Mini Art Quilt Challeange
Studying photography and the composition of an effective image is just one of the ways that I have learned to enrich my work. I participate in local guilds, learn new skills, such as wet and dry felting, beading, knitting, spinning and other forms of embellishments, continually experimenting with how each can add a new dimension to my work. Quilting has provided wonderful opportunities for me to travel, meet people and broaden my horizons as well as teaching me to see the world in a totally different light. My participation in the annual Coldwater and Area Studio Tour will allow me to interact with local artisans and residents, to share my knowledge and to learn from them. www.QuiltsByJen.ca.
Learn More About Creativ Festival
Creativ Festival is back October 22 to 26, 2014 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, South Building offering 3 days of unbeatable shopping and 5 days of hands-on learning. Choose from 200 workshops and seminars and register for classes individually or save with conference passes.