About the Artist

Artist Statement
Nanci McCutcheon

I came to quiltmaking from a long history of being surrounded by fabric, color and pattern. My earliest influence was my mother, an incredible seamstress who not only sewed one-of-a-kind designer clothing for her family, but also created a beautifully decorated home out of fabric remnants, invariably purchased in bargain bins. As a young child, I designed and colored new clothes for my paper dolls, dreaming even then of becoming a fashion designer. I briefly followed that dream when I studied apparel design at New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, but finally pursued other career options, while still designing and sewing many of my own clothes.

Over the years, I explored many different art forms including painting, photography and collage, but always returned to my first love – fabric. I took my first quilting class in 1982 and was immediately drawn to the seemingly endless possibilities presented by this art form, which became my catalyst for self-expression. Initially my focus was on traditional quilting, but I gradually began to appreciate the freedom afforded by adopting more contemporary designs and construction methods. My solid background in clothing construction and traditional quiltmaking techniques, as well as my interest in other media, has combined to bring me to a very exciting place in my current work. I know my quiltmaking will continue to evolve as I am exposed to new influences, ideas, and life experiences.