The art quilts of Winter Ross reflects a concern with environmentalism, feminism and eastern philosophy. The artworks employ the techniques of shibori, a wrinkled and folded form of Japanese tye-dye, piecing, applique with mylar and metallic threads, hand and machine quilting and embroidery. Much of the fabric used is hand dyed by the artist. Her style reflects both her background in illustration and the strong shapes and colors of graphic design.
Ross's art quilts have been published in "The Contemporary Quilt: New American Fabric Art" by Patricia Chase and most recently in Art/Quilt Magazine. Her work, including shibori dyed scarves, has been sold through Tamarack, Riverside Artist's Gallery in Marietta, and the Dairy Barn in Athens, Ohio. She is a member of the professional international organization, the Studio Art Quilters Association.
Winter grew up in Parkersburg, West Virginia and graqduated with a BFA in illustration from Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, in 1973. She began making art quilts and wall hangings in her senior year in response to the feminist art movement.. She also studied painting at Hartford Art School, Connecticut for two years and weaving at Fontbonne College, St. Louis. For five years she worked in stained glass, studying design with Ludwig Schaffrath at Pilchuck Glass Center and Narcissus Quagliata in San Francisco. She has been an artist-in-residence in Oregon, Nebraska, and West Virginia. For twenty years she worked as a graphic designer, including a stint with Denver Public Television, KRMA as a broadcast designer, and as co-owner of a small print shop, Clear Creek Graphics in Colorado.
Production craft items such as silk scarves, vests, and kimonos are constructed of pieced fabrics usually dyed in the shibori style. Dye is fiber reactive making it light, fast, and safe to wash or dry clean.
Commissions for custom work are gladly accepted. Please contact the artist at: winterross@yahoo.com