More than Words
Carl Brown
2024
ABOUT THE ARTIST
As a fiber artist, Carl has been sewing and quilting for about 6 years. Like many fiber artists, he began with simple traditional quilt patterns and then began to create more complex abstract and improvisational work utilizing his own designs.
Carl has a tremendous fascination with color and shapes and especially has an appreciation for curve improvisation fiber work. His techniques include improv quilting and applique, as well as both machine and long arm quilting. Perhaps one of Carl’s greatest skills is completing the improv work at hand by fitting all those pieces into a final product.
In Carl’s short history as a fiber artist, he has had several quilts juried into national and international shows. He was named “Emerging New Artist” at Interpretations 2023 at Visions Museum of Textile Art in San Diego. He has been juried into the International Quilt Show, QuiltCon, Mancuso’s QuiltFest shows, as well as numerous American Quilt Society shows and has been a Road to California semi-finalist the last two years. Internationally, he was juried into Salon Pour l’Amour du Fil, in Nantes, France.
He also has also won awards for his fiber art. Carl has been a student with several well-known fiber art instructors including Sheila Frampton Cooper, Pat Pauly, Nancy Crow, David Owen Hastings, Irene Roderick, Maria Shell, Luke Haynes, and Carolina Oneto. Carl has also studied collage work with the artist David Hornung. Besides being a fiber artist, Dr. Carlton “Carl” G. Brown, RN, PhD, FAAN is a long-term oncology nurse, researcher, book author, and health care executive.
He is the editor of an award-winning textbook for oncology nurses and patients with cancer and he has cared for patients with cancer for 30 plus years. Carl lives in Palm Springs with his always supportive husband and the real boss of the house, Pippin the Wonder Schnauzer.
ARTIST STATEMENT
This fiber art composition is an improv strip-piecing collage where only the colors of acid yellows, black, and white are utilized. In addition, words, letters, numbers, and shapes are used to add interest and depth to this piece. This is the first in a series called Typography, which is the art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and appealing when displayed.
I am a fiber quilt artist and am known for my intricate abstract designs and vibrant colors. My approach is improvisationally spontaneous, allowing the creative flow to guide my compositions. I draw inspiration from the joy of creating abstract, light, tensioned, and modern design, particularly influenced by mid-century modern art. I strive to create art that counters the negativity in the world by highlighting beauty and design. My work is driven by the desire to make a meaningful impact on others.
MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES
Hand dyed and commercial cotton fabrics, cotton thread, wool batting.
Hand pieced utilizing strip piecing, moveable machine (longarm) quilted, and faced.