Jane Burch Cochran
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Fiber
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In my art quilts, I try to combine my art training in painting, my love of fabric and the tradition of American quilting. I unconsciously combine the loose, free feeling of abstract painting with the time consuming and controlled technique of sewing and beading.
I started making small bead and fabric collages in 1978. The first fabrics I used were painted canvas and my fathers neckties. The first large quilt I made was in 1985, and I have been completely obsessed with making art quilts since thenquilts both large and small, but always for the wall. In June 2004 I completed a quilt (7 x 10 commission) for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.
I have been fortunate to be a full-time artist since 1980. Once I had more time to spend on my work, instead of making more quilts, I made quilts that took more time. I love doing labor intensive art workit is an odyssey. After working several months on a quilt, if I dont think it is working, then I must not cast it aside, but fix it. I often do this by building up and adding more embellishments and paint rather than taking it apart. I do have patience and a vision, which keeps me going.
People often ask me where I get my ideas. For me, that is the easiest part. As most artists do, I love to observe people and nature, the universe in general, and ponder. This can be a blessing and a curse, but I try to accept it as a blessing.
Jane lives with her husband Randy, four dogs and two lovely cats on 40 acres just ½ mile from the busy town of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky. My 90-year-old mother still cant believe I live in the country because I was such a city girl. Having lived in rural Kentucky for almost 30 years, I guess that is no longer true. The view from Janes cabin porch includes part of the Ohio River and in the winter, the skyline of Rising Sun, Indiana. Jane also shares a studio in Cincinnati, Ohio (30 miles away) where she has attended a weekly drawing group for 20+ years.
About Shroud for a Colorful Soul:
I would imagine any of us quilters who have been to Mexico for Dia de los Muertos want to do a quilt about the experience. I have been twice to Patzcuaro for the holiday and the experience is one of my favorites in all of life. I have had this quilt in mind for a long time and finally, made it.
I wanted to concentrate on the flowers, making mine with yo-yos and Dior roses and other fabric manipulations. The official flower of the event is the marigold so I used many yellow yo-yos with button centers. I had not planned all the imagery; it just appeared. This quilt contains many fabric treasures that I have been saving but just sewed them all on.
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