Cheryl Paret

Artist Statement

I have been sewing for many years, and until a few years ago, my work focused mainly on making quilts, garments, and home décor. After taking a few art history classes, I began thinking about using fabrics and threads in more unique ways. I enjoy learning about art history, and one style that has piqued my interest is drip or action painting, and so I have set out to create my own unique approach to that genre. Thread is my medium and I use a few different sewing machines to stitch the thread to the base fabric using free-motion stitching techniques. The birch trees in much of my work begin as sketches and are then stitched using another type of free-motion technique before being appliqued to the base fabric. The background elements in my landscape work begin as large abstract pieces that are trimmed into shapes to create mountains, lakes, pathways, and other scenic components.