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 Postcards: Fabric Collage by Colleen A. Williams

Dolphin-detail

Dolphin

Dolphin-framed

SOLD-African Beat-detail

SOLD-African Beat

SOLD-African Beat-framed

Sandstorm-detail

Sandstorm

Sandstorm-framed

SOLD-Summer Dawn-detail

SOLD-Summer Dawn

SOLD-Summer Dawn-framed

Urban Stroll-detail

Urban Stroll

Urban Stroll-framed

Seaside-detail

Seaside

Seaside-framed

Aegean-detail

Aegean

Aegean-framed

June, July, Blue-detail

June, July, Blue

June, July, Blue-framed

Eastern Sojourn-detail

Eastern Sojourn

Eastern Sojourn-framed

Summertime-detail

Summertime

Summertime-framed

Rajasthan-detail

Rajasthan

Rajasthan-framed

Au Revoir-detail

Au Revoir

Au Revoir-framed

Airborne-detail

Airborne

Airborne-framed

Marine Life-detail

Marine Life

Marine Life-framed

Mint Julep-detail

Mint Julep

Mint Julep-framed

Summer Garden-detail

Summer Garden

Summer Garden-framed

 Click on any image to open artist's portfolio.

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Artist Statement

Many years ago, I began playing around with bits of fabric to create a small “sketch” to express a feeling of experiencing a place or a moment in time. Having sewn since the age of four, these constructions are first blocked out with color fabrics—usually solids—in primarily cotton and cotton blend fabrics. Once I set the basic color scheme and composition, I use fusible webbing to adhere the pieces to a backing piece of fabric.

I then begin applying patterns and pictorial elements to this composition. This is achieved by using fabric paints and handmade stencils, cut from mylar. At this point, the piece starts to become a narrative and the story is completed with additional imagery.

The final step is to sew together and embellish with colored threads. I add spots of contrast and some of the stitching lines are emphasized. In an effort to add a bit of randomness and spontaneity, colored bits of ribbon are thrown down onto the collage and glued into place. As in everyday life, the random acts are something that we must accept as being there. I just allow it to happen. 

Biography

Likely inspired by the industrial landscape of her native northern New Jersey roots, I studied architecture at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia (BS) and apprenticed with a design-build firm in New Jersey and an interior design firm in suburban Philadelphia before leaving the area to study fiber arts at the Penland School of Crafts in North Carolina and printed textiles at FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology), in New York.

I later relocated to Fort Lauderdale and accepted an architectural position at Hoffman Arts & Architecture, and also became the co-director of the Hoffman Gallery. While there, I began exploring the ceramic medium and created a line of porcelain jewelry known today as “Local Texture.” After setting up a production studio in Hoboken, NJ, I acquired accounts at over seventy galleries, museum shops and boutiques throughout the US and Japan, receiving numerous awards.

I began painting as a means to convey my travel experiences via correspondence to another artist living abroad. These paintings have been exhibited nationwide at juried fine art shows and have achieved honors at many juried and invitational exhibitions.  The fabric collages you see here are my "sketches” for these paintings.

Since 2005, I've maintained a studio at the Beaver Mill in North Adams and I am the co-director of the North Adams Artists' Co-Op Gallery (NAACO).

"I am so proud of what is happening here. Keep it going!"

Governor Deval Patrick, August 2009