AMY NICHOLS

anichols527313@gmail.com

Quilting

 My art quilts have grown out of my lifelong love for color, shape, design, and texture. One of my earliest influences was wandering as a child among the colorful fabrics and textiles in the bazaars of Kabul, Afghanistan. Another important influence was teaching my young elementary students (in the absence of a district art program) the elements and principles of art and design. Some of the artists we studied included Mondrian, Klee, Matisse and Kandinsky, whose work excited and inspired me in the creation of my art quilts. I am always fascinated by the infinite possibilities for playful, intuitive expression with fabrics and textiles, led by my curiosity to explore each new “what if…?”. 

Amy Nichols’ art quilting journey has been largely self-directed, but several influences have guided her along the path. After burning out on her first attempt to make a large traditional-style quilt about 50 years ago, she was introduced to art quilts by a fellow teacher. She was immediately charmed by the smaller pieces and all their playful possibilities, much better suited to her busy teaching life. 

Over the years, she has taken many classes in art quilting techniques. She has also actively participated in groups such as Art Quilts Maine, through which her quilts have been exhibited in the annual Maine State Quilt Show and touring shows in many libraries across the state. Together with her neighbor and fellow art quilter, she has collaborated in an exhibit of their work in the Bangor Public Library, and in four joint shows at the Belfast Free Library. Amy always loves to explore and apply new concepts in her compact studio in Belfast, and is thrilled to share her work among her artist friends here in Local Color.