about

In my fibreart I use the basic sewing skills learned in my 50s Australian childhood. Since I began producing creative embroidery in the 70s and art quilts in the 90s, I've been fortunate to attend some excellent Big Name teachers' design and technique workshops, and continually learn from personal interacterions and information available online. 

My minimalist abstract wall hangings/tapices/art quilts and 3D tabletop installations help control acoustics in modern interiors with hard shiny surfaces. My art quilts are large enough to hang (~1m – 2.5m) but I also produce smaller ones ideal for framing or mounting on stretched canvases.  My fibreart is for sale, and I undertake commissions - so contact me for details. 

Since I becoming interested in creative embroidery in the 80s and quilting in the 90s, I've learned additional interesting techniques in occasional workshops by outstanding Big Name teachers, and I constantly learn from personal interactions and masses of stuff available online.  All fabrics interest me, and I've worked with many, including cottons, silk and nylon organzas, mylar, vinyl and leather plus some salvaged and recycled materials. I'll sew with any thread I can put through a needle.  My techniques are mainly hand and machine stitch, fused applique and at times, burning. I embellish with hand stitch and sometimes some beading.

My work is held in public and private collections in Australia, USA, Argentina and Uruguay. In addition to solo exhibitions in those countries, my art has appeared in many prestigious international juried, invitational and curated group exhibitions, including 6 Quilt Nationals and several Art Quilt Australia biennials.  I exhibit regularly in USA and Australia, occasionally teach workshops, and welcome opportunities to speak to textile and fibre art groups.

My blog, www.alisonschwabe.com/weblog/ is in effect my artist’s diary, where I write on interesting and influential experiences such as exhibitions or workshops attended; and I outline and discuss some of the sample making to explore materials or techniques I'm considering for new work.

I discuss my 2021 and 2023 Quilt National quilts on YouTube: QN21 and QN23 

A PDF of my full catalogue is downloadable  here.   

Social Media - Instagram @schwabealison  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082231031799