Nature moves me. It ignites a spark that is indescribable. Whenever I take my dog out for a run, go for a bike ride or cross-country ski, I always try to remember to take my camera so that I can snap some inspiring moments.

Sometimes the way the sun sparkles through the trees, or a bird perches proudly on a high branch, or the ocean waves thunder onto the shore stirs my artistic soul. It might be the same place I’ve been to numerous times before, but on that day, it evokes a different feeling that I want to capture.

I use these snapshots to help me to decide how I will represent my idea with fabrics. Often, I do not recreate the photos, but instead use them to guide me in creating an original textile. Sometimes I add or change elements, combine them with other photos, or use the internet to help me find some further insight. It all comes together when I let my hands guide the fabric and decide what captures my intention.

My work begins on an unbleached denim where I create a sketch. I use my wide selection of hand dyed and commercial cotton fabrics to begin “painting.” I usually stitch the pieces down as I go, adding a wide array of fabrics to capture the details. I change my thread many times throughout the piece, using upwards of 30 different thread colours at times.

As my piece progresses, I may use other textiles to enhance the artwork. Tulle may add shadows, cheesecloth or lace mimics ocean waves, and art yarns can represent flowers.

Because I am such a lover of the natural world, my art pieces explore the everyday beauty that we find in nature. Often, I add treasures I have found in my travels to my art quilts, such as sea glass, driftwood, or seashells. From start to finish, my larger art quilts can take upwards of 30 hours to complete.

My favourite artworks tend to be the commission requests from clients. They usually pose a challenge and help me stretch my artistic wings. I feel honoured to bring a client’s vision to life for them.

One of my clients, who was pregnant, asked me to create a quilt for her two-year-old daughter with two swans, two cygnets (young swans), and a sunset. Swans mate for life, and my client told me one of the swans on the quilt would represent her, while the other one would represent her husband who had recently passed away. The cygnet represents their daughter. My client wanted to use this art piece to tell her daughter about her dad, and for her to have this special memento to remind her of him. This story is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I give a part of myself with every piece that I make, I love the connections that are made with these endeavours.

I’ve always led a creative life, but quilting has gradually become a consuming passion. The extra time at home this spring has enabled me to further explore my craft as I continue to grow as an artist every day. I find my work very calming and meditative, which has helped me through these difficult times.

I’ve had more time to play and explore during this time away from my career as a substitute elementary school teacher. I have also been looking at other avenues to share my work, such as virtual shows, teaching online, beginning a newsletter, and starting my own website. It is a definite learning curve, but I am hoping to share my passion with a wider audience and create more of these important human connections.

Darcy Hunter 2.jpg — Darcy Hunter

Darcy Hunter lives in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. You can find her Etsy shop where she sells her handmade items, art prints, and patterns at www.darcydoodlequilts.etsy.com. She also shares her work on Instagram and Facebook @darcydoodlequilts and she welcomes email at darcydoodlequilts@yahoo.com. Darcy enjoys a good challenge and welcomes commission work. She also loves to teach her methods, so feel free to contact her for a virtual or face to face session.

[Working Art] Darcy Hunter | The Art of Stitch

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