Lines of Communication # 4 (2016)
62 x 54 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
ANNE HAMMOND
Lines of Communication #7 (2017)
66 x 73 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Lines of Communication #2 (2014)
48 x 60 inches
Quilt made from hand-made cotton and wool batting
Motherhood #1 (2017)
58 x 70 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Broken Ladder (2013)
54 x 47 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Labyrinth (2017)
58 x 63 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Staying Calm in the Storm (2017)
62 x 86 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Rays of Light (2015)
33 x 52 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Summer Solstice (2018)
46 x 70 inches
Quilt made from hand-dyed cotton and wool batting
Born in Denmark quilter Anne Hammond is now based in Maryland, USA. She hand-dyes her own fabrics and creates her colourful abstract quilts from her home studio.
What is your background in textiles?
I grew up with a mother and grandmother who were always sewing, knitting or doing needle point. They passed down their knowledge to me. I started out taking classes at local fabric stores and at the quilt guilds in my area. In 2013, I took my first class with Nancy Crow at the Crow Barn in Ohio and have returned there every year since for her workshops.
What is it about quilting that appeals?
The whole process fascinates me. The design, the craft of putting the designs together, and quilting the final design. I love using unusual colour combinations to make my design more interesting.
When did you make your first quilt?
I made my first quilt in 1989, when I moved to America from Denmark. I picked up a book at the local fabric store and made my first quilt following the directions from that book. It was a Log Cabin quilt, which is still one of my favourite traditional quilt patterns.
How do you describe your style?
Contemporary art quilting, using shapes, lines and colour, to create abstract pieces.
How do you work?
Sometimes I draw designs and work from there; other times I sew small samples and develop my design from them. My design wall becomes my work space where I can move different components of my piece around before I start sewing.
I know this it hard to answer, but how long does it take to make a quilt?
It depends on the piece. I dye almost all the fabrics I use. Next I develop my design and put my piece together. My pieces tend to be fairly big (60 x 70 inches) so most take a couple of months to make.
Would you say quilting is becoming more popular and if so why do you think that is?
My hope is that contemporary art quilting is becoming more recognised as an art form. Curators and museums are beginning to appreciate that artists working with fabric can be as meaningful as artists working with paint. It is very encouraging.
What is the biggest challenge being a textile artist?
Not having enough time to spend on my work. And self doubt!
What is your career highlight to date?
Being recognised at major quilt shows and having my quilts accepted into museum exhibits.