Joyce Hagen

Artist Statement

I’ve always been drawn to the tactile nature of fibers and the designs that can be created using different materials and techniques. I have fond childhood memories of being drawn to fiber works displayed at historic tourist sites – especially the tea-dyed quilts, richly patterned rugs, meticulously woven comforters, opulently beaded lampshades and handbags, and delicate hair weavings. I sewed my own clothing as a teen, and I enjoyed long talks with my aunt Erma about her sewing and quilting projects. I learned how to sew, knit, and embroider and do crewel work as a pre-teen.

When I began making traditional patchwork quilts in 1976, I learned that I have great appreciation for the rhythm of grids, the predictability of geometry, the energy of color, the power of lines, and the texture of patterns. These design principles still guide my works which have become intuitive abstracts that include straight as well as curved lines, are filled with rich color and patterning, and usually include surface embellishments. I start each new piece by assembling a pallet of materials – adding and eliminating until the mix seems right. As I work with the materials, considerations of the compositional elements guide my process for assembling them.

I share my love for fabrics, fibers, rhythm, line, texture, and color with the viewers. I hope my work makes people think about how the juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary materials and techniques create powerful unexpected synergies.

Artists whose works initially inspired me are Escher, Stella, Anni and Josef Albers, and Louise Nevelson.