Following the color muse!
I live on a small island in the Pacific Northwest where I create functional art. I call myself an artisan, a color engineer, a maker. Thistledoun Studio is my beautiful bright work space that over looks the pond and garden, inspiring me in my designs and color choices.
I taught myself to quilt when I was seventeen years old and have not looked back. Over the past four and a half decades quilting has been my language of love. I've made over 250 quilts to sell, donate to worthy causes and gift to family and friend's for special occasions as well as during times of duress. I exhibit locally and regionally. In 2017, I was part of the "1876 Pilot Project" completing my personal interpretation of a rare medallion style sampler quilt originally made in 1876. My unique variation of that piece named "Yankee Traveler" is part of a continuously traveling exhibit and has thus far been shown at three different venues for the International Quilt Festivals: Houston and Chicago in 2018 and Long Beach in 2022 as well as an invitational exhibit at The Quilter's Hall of Fame in Indiana where we hung our work in the main exhibit area (the house) for a three month run. "Yankee Traveler" is now headed to The Great Wisconsin Quilt Show for a group exhibit in September 2024.
In 2016, I taught myself to make wood Barn Quilts. These beautiful Folk Art pieces are a single quilt block design hand painted on reclaimed wood, framed and set to hang indoors or outside. Barn Quilts have enjoyed a long history in this country and abroad and I find it rewarding to keep these traditional art forms alive.
Regardless of the medium, I am careful to choose only high quality materials. Each item is handcrafted and represents anywhere from ten to ninety plus hours of work. Decades of refinement in technique results in a level of craftsmanship that ensures a high end finished product.
I am fueled by a deep love of color and visual texture. Although I start with a basic plan, with art, one is never entirely sure of the final outcome. Part of what appeals to me when creating these pieces is the mystery, the adventure and the bravery it takes to start something, then follow the muse as the piece evolves. These things have their own minds!
Making one of a kind art craft pieces that are functional, collectible and enduring gives me great satisfaction. My offerings will be your next heirloom piece or that stunning special gift for someone on your list.
Follow me on Instagram @harpswear to see my most current works. Or visit my new website at heatherarps.com.
Enjoy!
Heather
