Quilt Artist of the Week: Phil Beaver
Quilting as a craft and an art form has come a long way and along with it we see more gentlemen take center stage. One of those very talented and accomplished quilters is Phil Beaver from French Lick, Indiana.
I was first knocked off my feet by his spectacular quilts while living in Bloomington, Indiana. One of his quilts, Letters, won Best of Show at the Indiana Heritage Quilt show. He uses a brush technique to apply paint to his fabrics he uses in his wondrous quilts. In fact, when you first experience his quilts, you will find it hard to believe it is a multitude of different fabrics. Phil’s quilts are works of art that seem to be a huge painted canvas. Only when you go take a closer look do you notice the beautiful machine quilting and painted fabrics. The photos you will see in his gallery do NOT do them justice. They really should be seen in person to fully appreciate the workmanship and talent that exudes from their surfaces.
He does sell patterns as well as a collection of very unique fabric that looks like he painted them just for you. These are definitely on my must have list.
If you are lucky enough you can take a class from Phil. He does travel and you can check his calender for upcoming events he is involved with. He also hosts an annual workshop in his hometown French Lick, Indiana which will be held this year at the newly renovated French Lick Resort and Casino. Wow! What a perfect retreat!
French Lick and West Baden used to be a huge resort area for the likes of Al Capone and even FDR. There is a little of this history in the workshop information. I can tell you first hand that this is a very unique place to go. I took a tour of the West Baden Springs Hotel halfway during its restoration and it was the most phenomenal trip back in time I have yet to experience. For me, it was like stepping into what the luxurious interior of the Titanic must have looked like. The remoteness of the area will have you thinking you stumbled upon a lost civilization filled with a history unique to the era it was built. (Note: If you have a hard time getting your husband to go they have an outstanding golf course AND it is the boyhood home of Larry Bird.)
quilting, Phil Beaver, painted fabric, art quilt, French Lick, West Baden, Southern Indiana, quilt workshop
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