Susan Brubaker Knapp‘s new book with C&T comes out in October. It’s called Appliqué Petal Party. While it is her first book with us, she is no new comer to the world of quilting. Susan is an award-winning fiber artist, quilt designer and teacher. She also has a popular website and blog at www.bluemoonriver.com. We wanted a behind the scenes look at our new author and invited her to take part in a little “Q&A”

1. What was your career prior to being an artist?

I started my career in corporate communications, as a writer of employee publications. While attending UNC-Chapel Hill’s Journalism Masters Program, a professor encouraged me to persue graphic design. After that, I worked for several newspapers as a graphic designer, and for a trade association, handling both the writing/editing and design responsibilities.

2. What and when was your first experience as an artist?

Looking back, I think I have always been an artist, but I did not call myself an artist until 2006, when I made my first art quilt. I have always enjoyed the fiber arts (knitting, sewing), and I colored, doodled, sketched, and consciously adapted my handwriting several times in my life to reflect a particular style.

3. What inspired you to make a career of your art?

As a child, I loved art and was good at it, but was encouraged to pursue a career “where I could make a living” instead. After college (I earned a BA in English), I really wanted to go to art school, but chickened out again. I showed my primitive portfolio to a graphic design professor in journalism grad school, and he looked it over twice without making any comment, then leaned back in his chair, looked me in the eye and said, “Brubaker, what the HELL are you doing in journalism?” His validation of my artistic ability was an epiphany for me. After that I started believing that I could be an artist.

4. How has your artistry changed over the years?

I’ve gone from doing graphic design into what I consider to be more pure art that comes from my heart. I started out doing traditional piecing and quilting and have branched out into art quilting. I consider myself to have a “split personality;” I love and do both traditional quilting and contemporary fiber art.

5. What is your favorite aspect of your artistry and your artistic community?

Creating art makes me feel fully alive, connected and passionate. It is my fuel. Being involved in the artistic community makes me feel accepted, part of something wonderful that creates beauty, sparks intense discussions about life’s most basic and primal issues, and goes to the very roots of our emotions and our humanity.

6. What is your favorite design or completed project and why?

I can’t really say that I have a favorite. They are a bit like children … I can see their admirable qualities and their flaws, but I have to love them all!

7. Do you have a process or ritual for starting new projects?

I usually start with a rough pencil sketch, and then move designing using software on my computer. Some projects move along smoothly, while others have to gestate a bit in my brain or on the design wall.

8. What happens when you finish a project – do you celebrate?

I usually share what I’ve done with my family and friends, and then with my quilting friends (via e-mail, my blog, Facebook and Twitter). And then I jump right into the next project.

9. What new projects are on the horizon for you?

My next big challenge is to work in a series (for the first time) on pieces for a group exhibition with Fiber Art Options, a group of seven fiber artists from the Charlotte area. All will be based on photos of orchids.

10. What would you like to create that you have not tried yet?

Everything! I have more ideas in my head and my sketchbook than I will ever be able to create in a lifetime, and the ideas keep coming. But I’d really like to create powerful art that makes a point, that deals with important social issues, that makes people feel strong emotions or think about things in a different way. And I’d love to do something with my art that makes a difference for the world, even if it is in a small way.

11. How would you describe your personality?

I am a Type A, Myers-Brigg INFJ. I am basically a happy person. I highly value honesty, originality and passion. I am perseverant, conscientious, and seek to please those I respect. I have strong opinions and firm principles. My biggest character flaw is a tendency toward arrogance (I usually think I am right!), and I have to struggle sometimes to see others’ perspectives on issues. I’m working on it!

12. What makes you happy?

Creating. Quiet. Blue skies. Mountains. Fall leaves. Halloween. Chocolate. Smiling children. A great book. Beautiful music. Cooking.

Related posts:

1. Winner of Susan Brubaker Knapp’s Orchid Notecards
2. Author Interview with Roberta Cardew
3. A note from Jane Brocket, author of The Gentle Art of Quiltmaking
4. Author Interview: Sarah Kaufman