Artist Profile: Terry Grant

Terry Grant
Portland, Oregon

1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? My morning walk with my friend Beth has become an important ritual and I originally thought I would work with that subject. I was very intrigued with the idea of certain foods as ritual, but nothing really jelled until I began to think about my yearly valentines, which I design and make every year. I have friends who say they have kept every single one I have sent over the years, and I knew this had such a deep importance to me that it was the one. Besides, it offered such great visual opportunities.

2.  Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work?  if yes, what project or projects? I have participated in a variety of online charitable projects, including Virginia Spiegel's Fiberart for a Cause projects.

3.  Do you belong to a small group of like-minded artists?  yes/no  Name/where?  What is the best part of being part of an art group? I belong to an Oregon group of about 20 fiber artists called High Fiber Diet. We meet regularly and exhibit together. It is a challenging and creative group. I am also part of the 12 by 12 online group. It has been immensely satisfying. We have written a book and exhibited all over the world. Here in Portland I am part of a small group of 6 fiber artists called STASH (Second Thursday At Somebody's House). We are great friends who support and cheer one another on. We don't accomplish a great deal but we laugh more than any group I have ever been a part of. I love them all dearly. The good parts of being a group are being accountable, being challenged and sharing information. The BEST part is the friendship.

4.  Are you a member of a professional art organization, such as SAQA?  Have you ever held a volunteer position in the organization, and if so, what? I am a member of SAQA. In Oregon I have volunteered to create books and CDs of our shows.

5.  What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work?  Name 5.  Name 5 of your least favorite colors? Reds, oranges, yellow-golds, purples and a dusty grayed turquoise blue-green that works with everything. I have a very hard time using and enjoying pastels, especially baby blue! Out-of-the-box crayon colors are not as interesting to me as those that are a little off the pure hue.

6.  Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less.  Are you messy or tidy? My work space is roomy, well lighted and pretty well organized. When I am working it is a mess. I pile yards and yards of fabric everywhere. When a project is finished it feels great to put everything away and have a tidy space.

7.  What is your creative process?  Think, draw, design, make or right to the design? Think, think think. Then I make a sketch. Depending on the piece it might be quite detailed or just a rough idea. The sketch, in either case, is a guide, but not unchangeable. There is always room for spontaneity.

8.   Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work?  Why? Birds and hearts. I love both images and find it a challenge to use such cliche images in my own personal way.

9.   If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? Vermeer. His paintings have such a sense of calm and such beautiful, clear light. They always speak of the beauty of everyday life.

10.  Have you written a book related to Art Quilts and Quilting or have an instructional DVD?  If so, can you tell us the title or titles? I am one of the authors of Twelve by Twelve: The International Art Quilt Project book.

11.  Do you make art full time?   If you have another career, would you describe what you do? and how you incorporate art into your life? I am a retired graphic designer. I spend two days each week caring for my incredible grandchildren.  Those are the only two days I am not in my studio.

12.  What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life? The construction of my studio last summer has changed my life and way of working. The peace and beauty of its setting among huge trees, a creek and the gardens my husband creates is inspiring and being able to walk across the yard, leaving laundry, housework, TV and computer behind gives me a creative freedom I have never had since I was in college.

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