Rising Stars: Meet Pam Geisel of Yellow Springs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Pam Geisel.

Hi Pam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Most of the other quilters that I know came from a background of sewing, but my education was in graphic design, which I chose because it seemed like a good way to make a living as an artist. As a student I learned about design principles including color theory, balance, and contrast, which I’ve been able to translate to my art quilts.

I enjoy being a graphic designer but found I needed a creative outlet and while I’ve always been artistic and crafty, I was intimidated by the sewing machine. As a tactile person, I found myself drawn to fabric: the intense colors, the interesting patterns, and the warmth of it as a medium. And I found it very interesting how traditional quilt patterns would differ if you changed the colors or the contrast of the fabrics. So, I took a class where we created a small handsewn quilt and while I really liked the results, hand sewing takes a lot of time, so I faced my fears and learned how to use a sewing machine.

In the last 20 plus years I’ve made over 700 quilts and looking back I can see growth and improvement as I’ve incorporated new lessons and techniques.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Creating art has always come easily to me but one thing that surprised me was that selling art was very different from making art and requires a somewhat different skillset. I was lucky to get a chance to join Village Artisans, an artist co-op in Yellow Springs which makes my art available seven days a week to the tourists who visit.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
While I have made traditional quilts I’m known for my art quilts. Because of my graphic design background, people often say that my art quilts have a very graphic quality to them. I’ve recently been playing around with incorporating words in my quilts, some of which have a socio-political themes.

I think I’m most proud of the quilts that have been included in national and regional exhibits, both the quilt shows and multiple media exhibits. I’ve had pieces in exhibits in a dozen states and over two dozen locations in Ohio.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love to make custom art quilts! If someone has an idea for an art quilt or likes one that I’ve already made but wants it in a different size or color, I can usually do that, also.

Pricing:

• Art quilt pricing is based on size and complexity

Contact Info:

• Website: https://pamgeiselartquilts.weebly.com/
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/PamGeiselArtQuilts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamGeiselArtQuilts
• Other: https://pam-geisel.pixels.com/