Yvonne Porcella
Modesto and Arnold, California
1. What other ideas for this theme "rituals" did you have? The 1982 catalog for "Celebration A World of Art and Ritual" exhibition I visited at the Smithsonian was my starting point. The cover features an India grooms headdress that looks like an elaborate wedding cake. Attending 2 weddings last year also served as a theme. Flower displays play a big part in rituals and seasonal festivals feature dances and games. A friend of mine attended an elaborate wedding requiring charter buses, elegant surroundings. What she remembers about the day was that even by 11 PM the bride and groom never cut the cake. I just had to add a knife to my design.
2. Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work? if yes, what project or projects?
2. Are you involved in any community or group projects where you donate your work? if yes, what project or projects?
FotoFiber for ACS Virginia Spiegel; SAQA 12" squares; Alliance for American Quiilts, designed donation quilts; MD Anderson Ovarian Cancer Quilt Project; Stanislaus Arts Council; San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, High Fiber.
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? No I don't belong to a small working group. My studio is in a remote area. I do belong to the Modesto chapter of the National League of American Pen Women as both a Writer and Artist member. We network, have artist and writers sharing along with exciting monthly speakers.
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? Interesting you asked! I am the founder of SAQA, served as President for 11 years. Formulated lots of the programs, did the first membership brochure, and first few years of newsletter mailings, First 12" square Art in a Box auction, all the pains and successes. I was also on the Board of Directors of The Alliance For American Quilts from it's development for 16 years, served as Secretary. Advisory Board of International Quilt Study Center Uof NE Lincoln, 2 terms. Current second term Board of Directors San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles.
5. What is your favorite palette of colors that you use in your work? name 5 and your least favorite colors? name 5. Brights, reds, chartreuse, magenta along with black and white. Muddy colors, puce, greige, beige, pale pink, pale blue.
6. Describe your creative work space in 20 words or less. are you messy or tidy? Very neat, organized, everything folded, put away. Messy when creating.
7. What is your creative process? think, draw, design, make or right to the design?
Read, search my library, think, attack.
8. Is there a particular object or shape that shows up repeatedly in your work? Why?Black and white squares. It began in 1980 when I printed a book of my work in color. The printer recommended a dark and light value. It's become my signature as I've added it to most of my work. Recently someone sent me a note that while shopping for fabric in a Pennsylvania quilt shop, two women were selecting fabrics for a new quilt when one suddenly exclaimed "Wait, we have to Yvonne Porcella it!" Am I now a verb?
9. If you had to choose a favorite artist from another media, who would it be, and why? Charles Demuth because he liked the number 5.
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 have the luxury of making art at any time. Other than the non profit work I've done, during art my career I attended meetings, taught all over the country and in many foreign countries, sometimes being on the road for 1/2 the year. Currently I volunteer at our church, do some liturgy writing as well as decorate our facilities and work in different ministries.
12. What is your most thrilling news to date in relation to your art quilt life?
January to April 2012, I had a Career Retrospective in a 3000 square foot gallery with a giant banner across the front of the building featuring my name and one of my quilts, and I sold lots of art! Another venue will exhibit half of the work summer 2012
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