Artist Sandra Sciarrotta’s stunning fiber and mixed media kimono wall hangings are richly detailed with color and stitched design. See more of her work by visiting her website.
Over a lifetime of learning to craft things with my own hands, I learned about that good feeling of accomplishment that I receive when finished and the headiness of having others enjoy my work. There has never been a moment when I have stopped working at creating my mixed media forms.
The love of fabric and design has been with me since I was a teenage girl. I first learned about sewing clothing when my friend, who was a wonderful seamstress, and I made our own prom gowns. This was exciting. I was inspired to find out that I could make all manner of wonderful things.
Quilting was something I added to my own clothing. I’d seen photos of Japanese workers whose clothing was quilted for warmth. So, I quilted collars, cuffs and even pockets on entire outfits.
When I discovered embroidery, in its many forms, I found joy in adding it to everything.
I was inspired to learn how to make quilts, pillows and wall hangings. It was so exciting having some of my pieces published in and on the cover of a national magazine. In addition, I took first prize in a quilt show for my hand stenciled quilt. This accomplishment led me to begin teaching classes. I’ve been teaching classes in mixed media ever since.
After art school, I began looking through craft magazines and found that there was a whole new world of artistic experience waiting for me, including embellishments galore. I fell in love with what I saw and began adding new embellishments to my wall hangings.
I wanted my kimono wall hangings to have different mounting pieces than the standard round dowel or metal piece. I looked everywhere seeking how to do this. The next major inspiration came when a friend showed me a quilting magazine by Sarah Kaufman, “Folded Log Cabin Quilts.” Ms. Kaufman made her own mounting devices or used farm implements to hang her pieces.
I thought this was great! I ended up finding used balustrades from old houses or made my own wall hanging devices which I sanded, painted or stained, then added a protective coating. Then I used painted twine to join the fabric and the mounting piece together to create my own, unique wall hanging.
My body of work has multiplied and I have grown. I’m still in love with this process, always looking for the next great fabric.
Dearest Sandy- you never cease to amaze me!!!!!- what a joy to have come this far and finally let so many others through this media and web site enjoy what I have been privileged to enjoy In person !! So very proud of you and thankful that you can finally share your gifts and talents with so many more !! Bless you dear Sister!!!!
Truly stunning creations — intricate, original and gorgeous!
Thank you, JKH. Your remarks are lovely and appreciated.
Sandy