We were lucky to catch up with Liz Hamilton Quay recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Liz thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?
From my earliest memories, I felt a pull toward a creative destiny. The turning point happened during elementary school’s “Career Day” when I dressed up as an artist, complete with a smock, beret, and a paintbrush and palette. It was a defining moment, marking the unmistakable path towards a creative future.
I’m fortunate to have parents deeply immersed in the arts. They began with fine art photography but delved into hands-on crafts. My mom, for instance, created Victorian porcelain dolls in our home studio, molding, firing, and crafting their clothing. Meanwhile, my dad explored the intricate art of scrimshaw, etching designs onto Revolutionary-style powder horns.
Their artistic pursuits weren’t just personal—they were also educators. My mom taught painting classes in her studio and conducted workshops globally, while my dad taught photography at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and authored texts on photography and powder horn engraving.
Surrounded by makers, I absorbed the confidence to research, experiment, and explore—an ethos that now shapes both my studio practice and my approach to teaching in the classroom.
Liz , 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 hold the role of Assistant Professor of Textile and Materials Studies at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania, defining myself as a soft sculpture and materials artist. The journey leading to my current position began at Kutztown University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in art education and a BFA in Craft with a specialization in Fibers. My journey into fabric manipulation led me to earn an MFA in Fibers and Materials Studies at Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia.
Reflecting on my academic and artistic trajectory, I often express that fiber art discovered me. While exploring various studios during my undergraduate years, it was in the fibers studio where I discovered my true passion. There, I found a profound connection with the materials and techniques, allowing me to express myself in both two and three dimensions. The allure of handwork and meditative tedium resonated deeply, and my creative voice found its authentic expression. The unexpected encounter with the Feminist Fiber Art Revolution of the 70s further fueled my commitment to feminist-based artistic endeavors.
My creative philosophy centers on a natural curiosity for materials and a genuine joy for the act of making. Employing an array of techniques spanning traditional fibers to digital formats, my work delves into the exploration of innate visceral feelings through the lens of motherhood. Notable exhibitions and features include WestBeth Gallery in New York, Ceres Gallery in New York, Fibre Arts Take Two, Fibre Arts Australia, Surface Design Association, and Fiber Arts Now. Upcoming showcases include a solo exhibition at Peter’s Valley School of Craft in NJ and a two-person invitational at the Soft Machine Gallery in PA.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
I view my teaching and studio practice as equally significant components of my creative journey. The gratification derived from discoveries in the studio, whether they stem from my own explorations or those of my students, is truly fulfilling. Witnessing a student experience an “ah-ha” moment with a concept or technique they’ve been grappling with brings me genuine joy. Similarly, in my personal studio endeavors, the satisfaction of a breakthrough moment is warm and exhilarating. These instances fuel my motivation, reinforcing my love for the work I do.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My main goal in my creative journey is to share fiber art with the next generation. In my classroom, I have a mix of BFA students and future art educators. At the end of every semester, I encourage them to consider passing on these techniques to their future students, aiming to keep fiber art valued for generations to come.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lizhamiltonquay.com
- Instagram: @lizhamiltonquay
- Other: Email: [email protected] Link to Kutztown University’s Art Program: https://www.kutztown.edu/academics/colleges-and-departments/visual-and-performing-arts/majors-minors-and-certificates/art-and-design/faculty-and-staff.html
Image Credits
Charles F. Hamilton and Liz Hamilton Quay