We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Laurel Izard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Laurel below.

Laurel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

I feel the the art quilts I have made over the past five years carry meaning, and making work that speaks to others about topics important to me is a reason I went from making small quirky embroidered pieces to much larger works in the form of quilts.

Laurel, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am an artist who creates art quilts with messages about the environment, violence in our culture, and the roles we set for our children. I have always been interested in working with textiles, but did not consider making art quilts my main art form until relatively recently. I create art quilts to communicate with viewers in the juried shows, group shows and solo exhibitions I have been in.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I would love to see our society and government support artist and creatives, but fear that in the current environment that is not always a possibility. That being said there is so much support to be found with in our individual communities, working with other creatives, and creative organizations. I have found much support and the opportunity to support through international organizations like Studio Art Quit Associates, Surface Design Association and Art Quilt Network. I would advise anyone starting out in a creative field to identify their tribes and get involved.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My particular goal is to get my concerns abut the environment out into the world. The message in Mad Bear or Angry Eagle, and my quilts in general, depends on contrast, such as this play between a sweet quilt with “baby” embroidered with flowers and flourishes and a baby seal. Many of us have been horrified by photographs of baby seals clubbed to death for their fur. I feel that this contrast between the sweet and the cruel allows us to see the dangers and contradictions faced by the wildlife the world over when contrasted with the loving care given to our human babies. My hope is this message helps us look at the wild world in new and more supportive ways.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://laurel-izard.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram/izardlaurel/

Image Credits

Edwin Shelton-Portrait
Quilt photos by John Spomer III