ON THE COMMITTEE: JUNE BROWN

© June Brown

Ozquilt Network Newsletter #48, June 2003

I grew up on a farm at Greta which is south of Wangaratta , Victoria . I rode a horse to the Hansonville Primary School where I first learnt to love the bush. My secondary education was completed at Benalla High School after which I trained at Bendigo Teachers' College . I taught at country primary schools for eight years including Milawa where I married John Brown and have resided happily in the area ever since. At this time John was winemaker at his family winery. When our two children were both attending school I worked as winery laboratory assistant for eight years. This was a valuable time with the opportunity to learn much more about the making of wine. In 1983 with both my children at school in Melbourne I decided it was time for a new challenge in my life. This is when patchwork and quilting entered my world and fabric, colour and stitching became a passion. The friends I have made and the skills learned, since then, have been a wonderfully rich addition to my life. I have always enjoyed drawing and needlework from a very young age.

My very  first patchwork quilts were made during the mid 1970s with two simple scrap quilts from left over dressmaking fabrics. I didn't make any more quilts until the 1980s when I made a traditional sampler quilt with hand quilting. From then on I began changing the traditional designs and developing my own ideas and style. Judy Hopkins' book 'One'of'a 'Kind' impressed me greatly. I loved the idea of working with a four inch square and made many quilts both large and small using this method.

During the early 1990s I began collecting flour bags and made two quilts from these. Following from this I was inspired by the 'frame' quilts which are traditionally English and I made two quilts in this style. I have made quilts from wool, and 'wagga' style (utility) quilts. During the late 1990s I became very enthusiastic about Roberta Horton's book 'The Fabric Makes The Quilt'. It gave me confidence to be more free both with design and colour.

Over the years I have attended many classes conducted by Australian and overseas teachers and have experimented with a wide range of techniques which include cyanotype printing, use of photo prints, raw edge applique, stamping, stencilling, painted fusible webbing, fabric dyeing and discharging. Heavy machine quilting has been a passion for me, but because of tired arms and shoulders I have had to simplify my designs. Solo Exhibitions in 1993, 1996, 1999, and 2002 have provided me with an enjoyable goal to work toward.

My greatest inspirations come from the Australian bush, both from where I live in N.E. Victoria and further afield. There are so many elements of texture, colour and 'atmosphere' from which to draw. John and I have travelled extensively through outback Australia , camping and living close to the trees, rocks, flowers, earth and weather. The most impressive aspects for me are always the colour and texture of the Australian landscape and I really love camping in the vast and remote inland areas. While travelling I take many photos, sketch trees, rocks and quilt ideas as well as writing notes. The quilts I am making at present are nearly all wall quilts. I try to transfer the unique peace, beauty and colour of Australia into these small art quilts.

I have also had a great interest in old Australian quilts, especially utility quilts which exude so much of the historical hardships and frugal life styles of pioneering families. I assisted with the National Quilt Register for some years and this interest gave me a greater insight into early quilt making.

During the 1990s I trained with Victorian Quilters, as a valuer of contemporary quilts and learnt an enormous amount about techniques and quality of workmanship. I have done a little teaching of patchwork and quilting and have always enjoyed the challenge of exhibiting my quilts which have been successful on many occasions.

I continue to enjoy the 'art of textiles' and always find it a challenge to obtain a satisfactory balance of all the facets in life which include family, home, friends, travel and STITCHING.

At the time of writing, I am working toward an exhibition called 'Pattern-nation' planned to hang in Brown Brothers Cellar Door during the Wangaratta Textile Festival which will run in June and July this year.

Victorian Quilters (the state guild) have offered me the privilege of a retrospective exhibition at 'Quilt Showcase 2003' to be held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. I am delighted and honoured to accept this opportunity. I have gathered together twenty of the quilts which I have made since my very early efforts. It has been a challenge to find the whereabouts of them all. Some have been used on beds and have become faded from light and washing, some are faded from just hanging on a wall, some are creased from being folded away in a cupboard but they do show the path I have travelled with my stitching. I hope those who view these quilts are given pleasure, encouragement to try new ideas and to keep stitching!

June Brown © 2003