Outstanding Art Quilts: The International Quilt Festival

Art quilting involves the use of both modern and traditional quilting techniques to create art objects, which are often displayed on the wall like paintings. These pieces are typically based on the maker's experiences, imagery, and ideas, rather than traditional quilt patterns.  Here are some outstanding art quilts from leading practitioners of the art.

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Heights by Maya Chaimovich (Israel)

Israeli quilt artist Maya Chaimovich, who has exhibited in Quilt National, was first a woodworker and jeweler before she discovered fiber art and her passion for contemporary quilt art. This gorgeous collage-style piece features many different bright colors and contrasts. Her free-motion machine quilting recalls the contouring of topographic maps.

Deluge by Libby Lehman

Libby Lehman’s quilts are outstanding examples of contemporary artistry and original. Over the decades, she was recognized internationally for her intricate quilts and trend-setting techniques. Deluge is a three-piece whole cloth top. Machine appliqued shapes were added, which meander across the surface, creating movement and transparency.  Deluge is further embellished with yarn and thread.

Aquarium #1 - Fish Tails by Caryl Bryer Fallert-Gentry

Hand dyed and painted, with all the curves machine pieced, Aquarium #1 is one of Caryl Bryer Fallert’s enlarged semi-abstract studies of natural forms. She intertwines organic shapes, changing tonal values in the colors to bring bright elements forward and pull darker motifs into the background. This artist’s expertise in both design and stitching have won her numerous Best of Show awards and other honors. 

 Lichenometry by Betty Busby

In science, “lichenometry” is a technique that uses lichen growth to determine the age of exposed rock. The beauty of these living organisms is depicted in this stunning piece of the same name by Betty Busby. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, where she majored in ceramics. She then founded a ceramic tile manufacturing studio and ran it for 18 years before moving to New Mexico. She has been working full-time making fiber art and teaching since 2003.

 Matchstick Moons #3 by Melody Johnson

A member of the Chicago School of Fusing self-named group of artists, Melody Johnson is best known for her powerful use of color in abstract design. Matchstick Moons #3 perfectly balances line and shape within a dynamic multi-colored surface.

Image credit:  Photos were taken by Quilt Inspiration at the 2022 International Quilt Festival in Salt Lake City, Utah. Lichenometry is from the Frank Klein Collection.  All other quilts shown here are from the International Quilt Festival Collection.