Bill Stearman, Quilt Maker

Here is the group of guys from the men's quilting retreat in Chester, Vermont.  I spent four wonderful days with these men, quilting, laughing, sharing stories, and celebrating our common interest.   This is my second time on this retreat, and I will continue to participate each Spring and Autumn, for as long as I am able. The group is a varied group, from all corners of the US, and Canada.  Their interests and quilting styles vary as well. One of my favourite quilt guys is Jack Edson.  He is a great guy, who does brilliant work!  Here are some samples of his work.  The third picture is the piece that he started on at the retreat. Michael Michalski is another brilliant artist who comes to the retreat.  What he can do with a quilt constantly pushes boundaries and understandings.  He is also a really nice man!  

My World  has been selected for inclusion in the special exhibit Mod Squad 2016: International Quilt Festival/Chicago. Artist's Statement ... This quilt started as play at a men's quilting retreat in Vermont, using up bits left over from other quilts.  As it grew, it quickly took on a life of its own, and it began to remind me a lot of my own life. I live with Attention Deficit Disorder and the variety in colour, the randomness, the undisciplined nature of the arrangement, the pops of bright colours, the ever changing shape, the movement and flow, the joy ... all captured in a sea of happiness ... that is my world; the way my world feels to me. I smilled all of the time that I worked on this quilt, and I still smile when I look at it today.  It reminds me that ... life is good.

It's Clouds' Illusions I Recall.  I Really Don't Know Clouds, At All.   This quilt was selected for inclusion in the special exhibit Modern Quilts 2016: International Quilt Festival/Chicago. I am thrilled!  The exhibit was open to quilters in the US Midwest, plus Manitoba and Ontario.  They were looking for quilts that put a modern twist on the traditional Drunkards' Path quilt block. Artist's Statement ... Quilt making is very personal for me. Each quilt tells a part of my life story.  When I set out to explore the Drunkard's Path block', I found that I couldn't get Flying Geese out of my head, so, I created a block that I call Flying Drunkards. The flying drunkards are made with my own hand dyed fabric. I had a good time growing this quilt. But as I worked on this quilt, I realized that it is a reflection of my life and the memories of my life; an attempt to make sense of it all. It has been a colourful life, somewhat disjointed,...