Karen Duling

Karen Duling creates thought-provoking work that is both clever and introspective. Karen began making quilts to raise funds for her community animal shelter. Over time, she realized that these quilts could offer comfort to those grieving the loss of a pet, or celebrating the joys of life. Her 2014 book, Quilting for the Paws, is a celebration of the animals she loves so much, featuring patterns to make a variety of pet-themed quilts. But while her interests may have started with animals, the subject manner of her work is far ranging.  Karen’s designs are conceptualized through weeks of rumination and carried out with a good dose of improvisation and whimsy.  Karen has been deeply inspired by Gwen Marston, and considers her now both friend and mentor. Karen’s quilts have been featured in exhibits around the country, including “Quilt + Resist:  Art, Politics, Storytelling” (currently at the Woman Made Gallery, Chicago Illinois); the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show in Sisters, Oregon; “Art Quilt Invitational”, an exhibit at the Bonifas Art Center in Escanaba, Michigan; and her quilt “Fish Squared” was included in an exhibit featuring medallion-style quilts shown at the American Quilter’s Society show in Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2012. In addition, Karen’s quilts have been featured in numerous publications, including Modern Quilts: Designs of the New Century, and have been the recipient of awards from the American Quilters Society and at the Modern Quilt Guild’s QuiltCon 2016 show in Pasadena, California. Karen currently lectures and presents trunk shows across the midwest, sharing her work with fellow quilters.  She lives in the middle of Michigan with her husband and canine quilting pal Merle, renowned as the creator of “Merle’s Tips” in her book Quilting for the Paws. Welcome, Karen! Continue Reading