Peg Weschke, Fiber Artist

  Artist’s Statement:

 My artwork is inspired by the vibrant critters, landscapes, and people of the coastal lowcountry of South Carolina. I am captivated by the brilliance of the colors and the quality of light that fill this region, and I strive to capture the joy and emotion I experience through my creative process. 

As a fiber artist, I work primarily with fabric, thread, and quilting, combining these traditional materials with fiber paint and photographs printed on fabric to create mixed media pieces. My color palette is usually bright, and I seek to convey motion and emotion in my work.

When selecting subject matter, I rely on photographs I have taken myself or have permission to use. The key factor in my choice is an emotional reaction; if an image or subject stirs something within me, I am compelled to explore it further in my art. Whether the attraction comes from the critter or person depicted, the story or action unfolding, or the emotion evoked by the scene, I am drawn to capture its essence and communicate that feeling through my piece.

Technically, I use a variety of approaches to best serve each piece. Fabric, thread, and quilting are always central to my work. Often, I create fabric collages using raw-edge applique techniques. Other times, I employ a whole cloth approach, using photographs printed on fabric as the base. I frequently add details with fabric paint and thread painting. Sometimes, I combine all the techniques, incorporating photographic fabric elements alongside fabric collage in the same artwork. This blend of techniques and materials helps make my work unique and allows me to express the depth of feeling that drew me to each subject.

Artist’s Biography:

After retiring from a career in the technology industry, Peg pursued a life-long dream of a career in art. She attended art, photography and quilting classes. Bringing these interests together, she found her passion: creating art quilts from her photographs.

In 2012, as a new quilter, Peg competed for and won the “Ponnie Brinkman International Scholarship’ offered yearly by well-known quilt artist Ricky Tims. In 2013, she was featured on “The Quilt Show” website, Facebook and U-tube by the producers of the Quilt Show.

Over the past fourteen years, Peg exhibited, sold and taught the art of art quilting. Peg’s art work was recognized with multiple ribbons in art and quilt shows – including two "Best of Show" awards.

She is a member of the Palmetto Quilt Guild, Studio Art Quilters Assoc.(SAQA), the Art League of Hilton Head and the Art Quilters of the Low Country. She displays and sells her art through the Art League’s Gallery on Hilton Head Island and at the Art Quilters of the Low Country’s exhibits.

Peg is also a fun and dynamic speaker and teacher.  Check out the Exhibitions Page and the calendar for upcoming events.