My ancestors roamed this land that I returned to sixteen years ago. As I travel the same land, my childhood memories of Abiquiu mingle with the present view of mesas, pinion trees, sandstone and streams. It all feeds my spirit for creativity. Old petroglyph designs inspire me to redefine the meaning in my art and to understand how the past affects my present work. My art forms are a surreal part of what this land gives me to portray. A great grandmother, grandmother, mother, and aunts have contributed to my creativity.
Most of the fabrics, and threads in the wall hangings are cotton with synthetic accent pieces. Again the land inspires me with color for a quilt composition. Patterns are developed with a sense of the color and form from the landscape. Some are original designs or old quilt patterns that lead me to reformat and rearrange until I meet my intended layout. As I move through the creative process there develops an understanding of the relationships between the threads, fabrics and beads.
Since the beginning of time people have known and used the power of stones and beads. My beads are clay, glass and metal and many are chosen for their handmade qualities created by local artisans. Most of the findings, beadwear, and accent pieces are handpicked for uniqueness, and unusual forms. The neckwear designs and color reflect my surroundings and I try to incorporate some of this energy from the land and a feeling of spirit into my work.
I enjoy creating fabric art work and hope that you too, can derive some joy and energy from it. ENJOY!!
Vj Montanye
P.O.BOX 624