about

I make my original one-off hand crafted creations in both 2D (tapices or art quilts) and 3D. While adding interest to a decor, textile works assist with acoustic control in modern interiors with hard shiny surfaces. My art quilts are large enough to hang (~1m – 2.5m) but smaller ones are ideal for framing or mounting on stretched canvases. My 3D works include table top small installations.

The basic sewing skills I learned in my 50s Australian childhood I still use in my abstract, minimalist designs. 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 some beading.

My principal inspirations are

lines, shapes, colours and textures of landscape. In over five decades of married life with a geologist, travel plus living on three continents has inspired my abstract works. I have come to see a road crossing landscape as a metaphor for one's journey through Life.
Grid layouts are an enduring influence from the brief time I spent making traditional geometric patchwork. Now the grid symbolises instinctive human desires for stability, order and peace, and my grids are becoming increasingly distorted in response to rising levels of chaos in the world around me.

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 next solo exhibition opens in Maldonado, UY, January 2nd 2026. details closer to the time on my social media @schwabealison , https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082231031799

My work is for sale, and I undertake commissions. Contact me for further information.

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

You may download a PDF of my full catalogue here.

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