Sharon Bottle Souva
FABRIC HANDWORKS
Sharon Bottle Souva
Sewing is one of my greatest pleasures. I have been working with needles and fabric in one form or another since I was a child, starting with sewing my own, then my children’s clothes.
I began making quilts in 1976, putting them on the walls instead of beds. This allows a greater freedom in exploring ways to manipulate the fabric. The tradition of quilt making continues to be on the forefront of my work as I explore this medium into nontraditional creations.
I find myself looking at nature and man-made structures with the question: How could that be interpreted in fabric? How can I incorporate those elements of texture and design into my work? The natural world influences my design as I work out these questions both in realism and abstractions. I discovered the joys of manipulating fabrics, threads and sewing which is an important part of my work. Dying and painting my fabrics has given me another dimension to my creativity.
The needle is an extension of my fingers, the threads and fabric my palette. For me, color and pattern are equally important as my finished work. Fabric art is appealing to me, due to the fact that it’s more than a visual art. It is very much linked with a sense of touch and with memories.
My work has been or is being shown in numerous private collections, museums and galleries around the country.
Since receiving a BFA and MA at The State University of New York at Oswego in 2017 studying printmaking with studio practice, I have resumed a full life with my art at the center. When in school, I discovered my desire to teach on the college level in addition to my already successful workshops. I teach Color Theory and Drawing at Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, NY and find the continuing interaction with the students a joy. Commissions, exhibitions and teaching keep me active as I continue my love of fabrics, sewing and creating.