Artist's Statement

My textile works have always been inspired by landscape: early creative embroideries were inspired by the earth's patterns and texture, and often included actual pebbles, twigs and shells found within the landscape.  My shift to non-traditional quilt making included a series ("Ancient Expressions") inspired by man-made patterns applied by multitudinous techniques to the landscape itself and on to objects within it. Now I am more interested in the shaping forces of nature operating on the landscape, through process and result, all of which to me has become a clear metaphor for Life.

Recent Involvements and Successes

"Desert Tracks 3" is currently touring with the collection of Across Australia curated by Dijanne Cevaal.

At Houston in October 2006, Ebb & Flow 9, Jungle" was displayed in the juried exhibition "Creative Force " by Studio Art Quilt Associates, and purchased by a private American collector.

"Timetracks 1" will appear in Quilt National 2007, opening May 25th at the Dairy Barn Cultural Center, Athens, Ohio USA.

Montevideo, date yet to be finalised, probably September 2007 - a joint exhibition with Uruguayan goldsmith, Petra Eberl; details will appear on my website www.alisonschwabe.com as soon as they become available.

Teaching Background and Philosophy

I am a widely experienced exhibitor and professionally qualified teacher (BA, Dip Ed.) I do not teach particular designs, rather, techniques I teach will enrich traditional, published and original designs, and are used in all my own works. Interesting results are achieved by students of every ability, who need only a machine, basic sewing skills, and ability to use the rotary cutter. Short workshops produce samples only, but longer workshops include additional individual projects.

Workshops

1. Strips and Stripes - Rotary cutting, with or without ruler (2 days) You will explore some of the potential of using both commercial or self-made striped fabrics. You will plan and commence a small quilt, including repeat blocks if needed, corner and border treatments.

2. Tinkering with Tradition (2 days) Through machine pieced exercises, class discussions, slides, paper/glue arrangements, you'll consider elements of traditional and non traditional quilt design, including current trends in embellishments, quilting, edge treatments. 3 & 4 days options: as above plus commencing, possibly finishing an individual project.

3. Irregular Shapes (2 days) External/internal shapes, edge treatments, hanging arrangements. You will design, begin and may complete a non-rectangular wall quilt on a chosen theme.

4. Quilting with an Attitude - all levels (2 days) A variety of ideas in hand and machine quilting. You probably underestimate your own machine's potential for quilting. You will devise a quilting plan for a prepared small top, making decisions on technique, styles, threads, and for which you may need to learn some new skills.

5. Creative Problem Solving (1 day) Tips and fudging possibilities - what can you do if it turns out lumpy, uneven, hangs crookedly, flops over, - some known and not so well known tips on prevention and cure; plus a session brainstorming each other's difficult UFO's, (because that's why they are UFO's).

6. Colour Schemes for Colour Theory-Challenged Quilters (day) An eye-opening one-day class to give confidence in arranging a satisfying colour scheme for your own individual projects or designs. No Sewing - Piecing/quilting level irrelevant! All levels - great fun!

NEW WORKSHOPS IN PLANNING:

1. So you want to design a contemporary quilt?
2. Miniature landscapes.

To Top

Slide Lectures

1. Everything Old is New Again The historic origins of some of the more important quiltmaking styles, linking works of contemporary non-traditional quiltmakers to these origins (Australian historic quilts are included with reference to some well known Australian contemporary makers).

2. Travels with a Needle A survey of Alison's quiltmaking as part of an extensive body of needlework covering 25 years.

3. Quilt National 2001, 1999, 1997, 1995, 1993 Commentary of slides of each show, where appropriate linking techniques to traditional quiltmaking styles.

4. Patchwork and Quilting in Uruguay A sort of quiltmakers' mini travelogue!

COMMISSIONS

If you find a quilt design of mine you'd like to own but it is really the wrong size, or would be better for you in other colours, please contact me regarding my making a piece to meet your particular needs. I have a standard contract form and payment conditions which include time payment arrangements which we can work out on a mutually acceptable basis; and I can accept either Australian or US dollar cheques.

For more information please contact: Fax: +61 (0)8 9457 7011 Email: alison@alisonschwabe.com | Personal website: www.alisonschwabe.com