Andrea Finch

Once a traditional flat quilter, my work now rises from the surface to taunt the viewer to reach out and touch. My garden, as it changes from season to season, inspires my work. Starting with botanical forms and reducing the designs to more abstract forms, finding the essence of the structure. Viewing my wall of collected fabric and pieces will catch my eye and bring color, texture, or pattern to my art. Using all textiles, from repurposed quilts I made or collected and recycled designer upholstery samples to conventional quilting fabrics, adding a liberal use of thread, I let the fabrics form the stiffness to defy gravity needed to make my sculptures. Each piece is a unique collection of hand-cut fabrics, machine quilted, top-stitched, or stuffed with the occasional wire to create the desired shape. I surround myself with a whimsical garden with ties to my family and community.