Martha S. Heimbaugh

Artist's Statement

"Color, dimension, and texture, invite investigation of the quilted, topstitched surfaces.  Not intimidating, immediately comfortable, the viewer is drawn into the artwork.  Finely crafted, detailed work is an expression of thought and emotion that calls on both the artist's and the viewer's introspection of our own humanity."

Life © 2000 Martha S. Heimbaugh

Expanded Artist's Statement

"Color, dimension, and texture are the most important elements in my work. Whether I am painting, piecing, quilting, sculpting, or beading, fabric is always my baseline medium.  Speaking to our hearts, our minds, our spirits, our souls, fabric is at once comfortable and not intimidating.  Intimate, daily contact with fabric creates a sense of knowing and comfort that allows each of us, no matter our background, to understand and connect with this medium in some way.  My lifetime goal is to create a body of work that viewers will find positive, introspective, uplifting, and inspirational.  To achieve this goal I am continually exploring and growing in my creative process.  My creation process always involves many steps.  Starting with a design idea, I may paint, heat set, piece, quilt, construct, hand tie, and frame or display.  Emotion, symbolism, and craftsmanship all play important roles in my creative process.  While the emotional and symbolic nature of my work is sometimes known only to me, the craftsmanship within my work plays a key role to both myself and the viewer.  Without craftsmanship, my work would be diminished.  With craftsmanship, my work can continue to speak to others long after the creation process is complete."