top of page

Art that weaves stories • Quilts with soul • Painted legacies • Artisanal mastery •

Although art has always been close to my heart, I returned to it later in life after a 20+ year hiatus during which my career took center stage. My artistic journey began with photography, then wandered through painting, but it was textiles—and quilting in particular—that truly ignited my passion. I first fell in love with quilting in my early twenties, drawn to its rich history and its role as a voice for women before women had the right to vote. Quilt patterns often echoed the social sentiments of their time, offering both a creative and cultural narrative. That legacy captivated me.


As I deepened my practice, I came to appreciate the technical mastery quilting demands. As an artform, it is more than stitching fabric together—it requires strategic planning, a strong grasp of color theory and composition, and an understanding of how stitching enhances the visual story. Creating a quilt top is a deliberate act of craftsmanship. The quilts I make for daily use are expressions of warmth, rich in prints and texture, while my more serious works are often grounded in solids, giving space for the design to speak with clarity and strength. I am a strong believer in living in my art and using artisan quilts is the perfect way to experience living with luxury.


In 2023, driven by a desire to challenge and evolve my skills further, I returned to oil painting. My goal: to eventually blend my two passions—painting and quilting—into a single, unified art form. I'm currently experimenting with this synthesis, exploring how to quilt a painting and paint a quilt.


Each piece I create brings me closer to my authentic artistic voice. Whether through stitches or brushstrokes, my work reflects an ongoing evolution. My early oil paintings capture objects—often inspired by photographs from my travels—but they aim to do more than depict a place. I want to transport the viewer to a feeling, a moment suspended in time.

The Artist

I have lived in some of the greatest U.S. cities including Seattle, Boston Austin, NYC, but New Hope, Pennsylvania in beautiful Bucks County is where I call home now. My work is largely focused in oil and modern quilting, sometimes combining the two.

​

I have a deep appreciation for detail and technical execution of abstract ideas which you will find across both by preferred mediums. While I don’t typically execute purely abstract work, artists who work in these formats most often draw and keep my attention.

 

Education

 

2011 Babson College – M.B.A.

2000 University of WI – Stevens Point, B.S.

 

Exhibitions and Shows

2024

Feb                  QuiltCon International Modern Quilt Show – Raleigh NC

 

2025

Jun-Jul             Sophia Stef Gallery, Lambertville, NJ

Aug/Sept       Sophia Stef Gallery “One Day One Work Exhibit”

Sept 11-14        National Quilt Exhibit, Philadelphia, PA

 

2026

April/May      Sophia Stef Gallery, select work

selfie.jpeg
JoAnne in Gallery.jpeg
barn selfie.PNG
girl on easel_edited.jpg
Quilt for me_edited_edited.jpg
quilt label_final.JPG
quiltcon.jpeg

The Philosophy of Handcrafted Art

01

Intentionality

Every brushstroke and stitch is placed with purpose, reflecting a slow and thoughtful creative journey.

02

Artisanal Quality

I prioritize heirloom-quality materials, ensuring each painting and quilt lasts for generations.

03

Preservation

Honoring traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of modern abstract expression.

04

Connection

Collaborating with collectors to create bespoke commissions that resonate with personal stories.

bottom of page