Carole Lyles Shaw is a quilt designer, teacher and author. Carole began her quilting journey when she decided to teach herself to make quilts so that she could gift them to her nieces and nephews. She connected with the African American Quilters of Baltimore, and in a short time, the members taught her the best techniques to express her quilty vision. Carole soon took on the role of teacher and began sharing her knowledge with other quilters to help them to discover and learn the techniques of modern quilting. Now residing in Florida, Carole is the co-founder of the Sarasota Modern Quilt Guild and has appeared on an episode of the Fresh Quilting television show about community quilting. Carole’s quilts have exhibited in the U.S. and internationally, and her books Madly Modern Quilts and Patriotic Modern Quilts are available for purchase through her website. Welcome, Carole!
Carole, looking happy in her self-described Wakanda makeup.
How would you describe your quilting style/aesthetic?
Carole: A modern quilt designer: Bold, abstract, vibrant, rich, graphic. This has been true of my work for over 20 years—long before I found the modern quilt community. Even my somewhat representational art quilts had this aesthetic.
Sarasota Sunset. Image courtesy of Carole Lyles Shaw.
How would you describe the creative environment in your home as a child?
Carole: I didn’t have much visual stimulation—I don’t remember playing with crayons or paints much, except in elementary school. Our classrooms had lots of colorful pictures and artwork by the students—even the hallways were decorated with our work. What I did have at home was LOTS of books that my family bought for me and borrowed from the library. I also had a set of Encyclopedia Britannica at home. I loved the Encyclopedia because of the pictures!
What artists and makers do you most admire or have an influence on your work?
Carole: Such a long list—mainly I am drawn most to artists who explore shape and color. Alma Thomas, Sonia Delaunay, Helen Frankenthaler, Arthur Dove and Sam Gilliam to name a few. The Color Field painters, the Bauhaus textile artists, abstract expressionism—these are the artistic streams that feed my soul and challenge me to dig deeper in my own work.
Image courtesy of Carole Lyles Shaw.
Do you consider yourself a “quilter”, an artist, or some combination of both?
Carole: I use the term modern quilter in the quilt world and textile artist everywhere else. The term quilter and artist are not opposites or mutually exclusive to me. It’s a false dichotomy.
How would you define “making with intention”?
Carole: First, I’m not sure what ‘making without intention’ means. Or maybe it’s because I am always thinking about the ‘why’ I am doing something, long before I figure out the technique — the ‘how’. The ‘why’ is usually in the form of a question. A good example is my Yellow MonoChrome #1 mini quilt. This piece was made in response to a guild challenge. First of all, monochrome made my head explode because I love ALL the colors and want to use ALL the colors ALL the time—LOL! When I decided that this challenge would be good for me, I decided to set some very strict limits on the project. The ‘WHY’ question was “What can I learn from doing the exact opposite of my normal high contrast, colorful style?” “What would happen if I limited my monochrome palette to fabrics that are almost the same value so that I’m working with very muted contrast? “ Then I explored “how” questions such as which fabrics to use, how much of any one fabric, how to use the shadow effect of seams to create muted contrast, etc. I enjoyed making this miniature and I plan to take these ideas into a larger design at some point.
Yellow Monochrome #1 Mini Quilt. Image courtesy of Carole Lyles Shaw.
Do you think that having a craft makes us more compassionate? If so, then how?
Carole: Not really. I think it’s easy for quilters to seem sympathetic because our almost knee-jerk reaction to tragedies or disasters is to make the victims some quilts. And I think that sending quilts is lovely and much appreciated by many of the recipients. But does it make a difference to send 50 quilts somewhere when the real need might be to address deeper social justice issues or environmental challenges that need to be urgently dealt with?
How does creating feed your soul/spiritual purpose?
Carole: Creating is my spiritual purpose.
Yellow Monochrome #1 (detail). Image courtesy of Carole Lyles Shaw.
Are there any rituals that you perform to prepare/ground yourself in your work?
Carole: Not really—stepping through the studio doorway is usually an instant shift for me. I’m lucky—no pets or kiddos around asking for my time. I feel so fortunate to have my own space to work in and it’s what I would wish for all creatives.
I have taken the TV out of my studio. The visual stimulation was interfering, especially looking at news. I do listen to mysteries and some science fiction audiobooks. But, if I’m deeply thinking about a design or process challenge, I prefer silence.
What is the support system you have in place for creating your work?
Carole: Smart, honest friends! I ask for feedback from them. Sometimes I’ll send photos of works in progress to a couple of people and get their input. Or I’ll visit with a friend who lives locally and we can chat about our work in a critical way (not just…oh that’s so pretty….). At one time, I was in a formal critique group—I don’t have that now and I miss it.
My partner is very supportive and interested in my work. He has a critical eye (he loves art as well) and can spot design issues that I need to address.
Carole teaching a class. Image courtesy of Carole Lyles Shaw.
How do you deal with comparison to / envy of others? Can you describe a time when you used comparison/envy/admiration to push yourself in your own work and self-discovery?
Carole: I try to be very careful about that type of negative self-talk. When I hear those little voices, I try to identify WHAT I envy. Then, I ask myself “What can I do right now to achieve that…..” In other words, I identify what is in my control to change in my own work or life. Then I get on with it!
Mostly, I try to amplify the voice in my head that says “I am good enough and maybe even better at …..” I say it without apology—sometimes I say it out loud for others to hear.
What was the most challenging thing you ever made?
Carole: Minimalism! Anytime I limit my palette, it’s a challenge. So, I try to make minimalist projects now and then to keep sharpening that edge.
Minimalism. Image courtesy of Carole Lyles Shaw.
What does it mean to you to work in a traditionally domestic medium that historically has been regarded as predominately female (aka “women’s work”)?
Carole: I tend to fret about this and lament the lack of artistic and financial recognition. But gender inequality and racism are systemic throughout many societies. Change happens through action. So, I confront the -ism’s when I see them, and then I get on with my work.
How do you see your current work in the context of quilting history?
Carole: I see my work at the forefront and on the cutting edge.
Thank you, Carole! It was a pleasure hearing your inspirations and learn more about your process! To learn more about Carole, visit her website. You can also find Carole on Instagram and follow her on Bloglovin’.
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Kirsty @ Bonjour Quilts
May 25, 2018 at 6:59 amWhat beautiful quilts – I love the two extremes of the first and last pieces, incredible colour vs. minimalism. I’m with Carole when it comes to no TV while sewing – if I have anything on I get so distracted and get nothing done. I’m okay with music or a podcast, but anything visual and I sew about 3 seams, max.
Yvonne @Quilting Jetgirl
May 25, 2018 at 9:45 am“Or I’ll visit with a friend who lives locally and we can chat about our work in a critical way (not just…oh that’s so pretty….).” Having people for this kind of critical evaluation is really helpful!
Leslie Tucker Jenison
June 2, 2018 at 2:20 pmI, too, have no television in my studio. I agree with Carole on every point here! I love reading and learning a bit more about you, as I admire your work so much.
Jane
June 5, 2018 at 5:08 pmI am really enjoying the depths you reach with these interviews. Thank you, they are really informative and inspiring.
lelandavestudios@gmail.com
June 7, 2018 at 6:39 pmThank you so much, Jane. I really appreciate you saying that, and I am so glad that you are enjoying the series!
lelandavestudios@gmail.com
July 16, 2018 at 8:28 pmThanks Jane! Really appreciate your comment – it’s been such an enjoyable process this year. Glad you’re liking them!