Art Quilts by Carol Bridges

Creating an art quilt, for me, is a magical process of being drawn into a fantasy by some fragment of cloth, then searching for the community of colors and designs that will dance with that first piece.

The initial vision usually evolves into something slightly different than I first imagined as I cut and collage the colored fabrics because this puts me in a meditative state and my soul begins to take over the artistic expression.

My art quilts vibrate with my love for the living forest around me and my feelings of gratitude for all that is my personal world. I hope each quilt speaks for itself, a reminder that our ordinary life is the vessel through which our dreams of paradise are poured.

I work by hand and machine in my delightful woodland studio while I listen to my pond waterfall in summer and favorite music in winter. Though my workspace is small, I can expand onto my porch or gather my goodies to sew with other quilters in my classroom next door. Click on www.nineharmonies.com/girlfriendsgetaway.htm to find out how you can visit and have your own personal sewing retreat here. At www.nineharmonies.com you will also be able to view the other types of classes I offer to help people live in harmony with the Earth.

The art quilts pictured are for sale or have been sold, but there are always new ones in process.

All quilts are wall hangings, not bed quilts.

Materials are primarily cotton, some vintage, some glitzy, sparkly unknown fibers. Sizes range from approximately 2' x 2' to 4' x 6'. If you have a special theme you would like quilted, I am willing to explore that theme in cloth, no obligation on your part. If you like the quilt when completed, you can choose whether to purchase it or not.

To discuss details or arrange to see my latest work at my studio in Nashville, Indiana, USA, call Carol at 812-988-0873. Check www.browncounty.com to discover more about this beautiful part of the country.

All images are copyrighted 2007 by Carol Bridges. All rights reserved.

May you experience some of my joy and peacefulness every time you gaze upon my work.

Carol Bridges

As the world shifts and changes, adjusting to the tug of "we can have it all" versus "all we have can be shared," there is a great need for artists and creative people of all kinds to provide guiding images for those who only have time to follow.

How do you picture the world you want to be living in? What are the images that show you how to reach your goal? What is the picture you hold in your mind as your child's possible future? To manifest a world in which everyone has a fair share, we need images of people happily caretaking their environment, people living in small homes, people walking, talking and sharing non-commercial experiences. Advertisers spend trillions on visually linking their products with what they think people value. Only an artist can depict values without linking them to making a sale.

"Rosie the Riveter" moved women into the factories during World War II. If you think about what the world needs now, what image might guide people in that direction? What are the images guiding your own family right now? Is there anything in your home that depicts the family life you want to be living? Many studies have been done on the incredible amount of time children spend observing violence in the media. Where are the images of children learning to take responsibility for their communities?

There are plenty of images of pretty flowers available, but few of people planting them. Lots of pictures of seacoasts and mountains, but few of ordinary neighborhoods. We see people in flashy vehicles and glamorous parties, but few of friends sharing lemonade on the back porch. We see a great number of passionate sex scenes with beautiful young lovers, but few of elders still deeply in love with each other. If we do see any of these in the media, they are linked to a product.

If you are an artist, how about giving us your version of a sustainable life? If you are not an artist, how about commissioning a piece of art which truly speaks to your soul, makes you want to get up and make something good happen, or just takes you to a very deep spiritual place in yourself. It is our responsibility to image-in the world we want.

Look at all the visual cues you have in your home: pictures, media screens, book titles, sculpture, photos, mementos, etc. These are all speaking out about that which you value, subliminally guiding your family's direction. Are they sending messages you did not intend? Does what you see speak of the good life? And how about at your children's school or your office? What is the sight you first see in the morning when you get out of bed? Is it uplifting? How about in your children's bedroom? Do the images guide them to the life you think is best?

It's spring, traditionally the time to clean out and start fresh. This season "sort the visuals" and picture the life you desire. If art is your profession, now is the time to take the lead. It is a societal turning point, and we may be the only ones capable of creating the "picture worth a thousand words" and pointing the way to a life of renewal.