Minimal Quiltmaking by Gwen Marston

Minimal Quiltmaking by Gwen Marston is newly released by AQS Publishing, Gwen's 27th book. Consider modern art, non-representational painters, and have fun thinking about Hard Edge Quilts.  In Minimal Quiltmaking, Gwen offers process, not pattern, to advance the discussion of design. Twenty-two artists collaborate in the gallery, and I am one of them!  Each artist reveals an individual interpretation and style of minimal design reflecting the appeal of Gwen's Liberated process.  The quilter is encouraged to develop individuality, yes to become liberated.  

Minimal Quiltmaking ends with a "Grand Finale" of 13 small studies with big impact! Imagine Art Nouveau, Amish design, and exuberant Welsh style hand quilting on a small scale.  I notice my thoughts turning to the musical piece, Bolero, with it's quiet and subtle beginning.  The music builds, interest grows, and a grand crescendo is reached ending the piece with an exclamation point.  Perhaps a minimal quilt does the same thing.

Ontonagon Clay, 11" x 9" by Pam J. Beal
One of 4 quilts in the Minimal Quiltmaking gallery

Ontonagon Clay was the start of my interest in minimal design.  I focused on using restraint in line and color.  Exploring ideas first on a small scale is a common practice of artists...well, Gwen covers this in her book.

You can have your own copy of Minimal Quiltmaking by contacting Gwen, or the American Quilter's Society.  www.gwenmarston.com    www.americanquilter.com