Virginia A. Spiegel

 Wen Redmond

Click on Wen Redmond’s name above to visit her website – you will be glad you did.  Wen has defined her unusual artwork, featured in Quilt National, as Making the Imagination Real.  You will instantly recognize a Wen Redmond piece of art for its portrayal of nature in its most complex and intriguing form.  Wen has been published in Quilting Arts, Cloth Paper Scissors, and Studios magazines and also featured on Quilting Arts TV. She is a 2008 and 2010 Niche Awards finalist.  Wen’s artwork is featured in several permanent collections as well as several books.

That is a million dollar question. At the moment I have two studios. I routinely go each Monday and Friday to the mill where my studio is, providing there isn’t something pressing.

However, I have found I prefer to work on the ‘fly’ and drop in the studio to paint this, tweak that, draw a quilting line or throw in painted script- which makes a home studio more my ‘style’. I will take these insights into account as my partner and I move forward this Spring to build our home.

2.  Describe your studio in five words. 
Easy to work in, nice.

3.  If you could pick only one thing from your studio to represent your art practice, what would it be? 

Rocks! I love being outside and have an amazing collection of beach rocks. For beauty and to use as weights for projects.

4. What is the best/worst space you have ever had as a studio?

Hmmm, I feel lucky to have any space. My mill studio is delightful in size, my home studio is delightful in convenience. Both have a view, river and field respectively. I love to gaze off while gestating.

My first studio was a tiny room in my antique cape house. I learned this was the ‘borning’ room, where women would give birth before hospitals got in the picture. Very appropriate for creative space.

5.  What would make a “dream studio” for you? 
I think having a separate building next to my home would be ideal. Separate enough to make it a bigger deal for my husband and partner to find me and close enough to make it less of a big deal for me to go to.

 

This is one of Wen’s three Fiber BONUSES for Foto/Fiber 2012.

6.  What would you advise someone setting up a studio for the first time? 
Wait. Use a section of your home, or bedroom and work there for at least a year. Give your self time to gather information about how you work and what your space might want.

I remember an old story about a writer who dreamed of a gorgeous library and desk to write in. He wrote well and finally was able to build his dream room, and got writer’s block.

Sometimes, it’s not about the studio but what’s inside that really counts.

7.  Any unique features/studio pets you would like to share? 

My dear studio mascot, Elly the labby, has passed. She would share my studio and any food I had with much glee.

Another one of Wen’s Fiber BONUSES.  Each BONUS may contain antique kimono fabric,
Wen’s own surfaced designed fabric, a thermal fax screen, card, fiber postcard, and either small collage or journal.

8.  Any new exhibits or projects we should know about?
I am thrilled to participate in Foto/Fiber 2012. I truly enjoy this unique opportunity and Virginia’s efforts to help the fight against cancer. Feel free to visit me on my blog. I just love hearing from folks!

This detail of another of Wen’s Fiber BONUSES is almost a work of art in itself.
Please join us on February 15 and 16 for Foto/Fiber 2012, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

Wen’s three BONUSES