Besides giving an artist the chance to study and practice a specific style, technique, or theme, or to develop a narrative across a number of works, working in series is a great way for an artist to develop their own voice.
An artist’s “voice” refers to their distinctive and recognizable style, a visual language that sets them apart. It encompasses unique choices in technique, subject matter, color, or composition that consistently characterize their work. This cohesive and individual expression becomes a signature, allowing viewers to identify and connect with the artist’s creations, fostering a sense of continuity and recognition across their portfolio.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a number of painters worked within the style of Impressionism. However, Renoir’s work is recognizably different from Monet’s. We often comment on Monet’s use of light and the loose brush strokes that allowed him to capture it, while Renoir is known for his romantic approach and the focus on relationships between people. Each had a recognizable “voice” for which they are still known today.
You can imitate other people’s style and have a successful quilt. Using someone else’s pattern and color scheme, or taking a class to learn a specific aspect of design, both contribute to our skills. When I took Jean Impey’s class last year, I learned how to create portrait quilts in her style. (My two quilts from her class below.) Impey’s series of portraits have allowed her to develop her unique voice as an artist. I’m glad I took the class because it was fun and I also learned technique and some new ways of thinking. I like the quilts I made, but her style is not mine, and it does not express me. It is not my voice.
So how do you go about developing that voice? For many people, it will start with imitation of others’ work. Consider what themes, subjects, or styles resonate with you on a deep level. What exactly is it that draws you to it? What makes you think, “I’d like to be able to create like this!”?
For example, if you’re entranced by Indian kantha quilts, study them. Look at the color combinations, the stitching, the layering. Which parts of that do you want to imitate, and which parts would you alter to suit your own preferences more closely? Then don’t just imitate; experiment. Experiment with approaches to discover what feels most authentic and expressive to you. Every change you make is an expression of you. By understanding your unique perspective, you lay the foundation for cultivating a distinct artistic voice that reflects who you are as an individual.
If you’re looking for a starting point, consider what styles or artists always make you pause. The works of Anna Williams, Yvonne Porcella, and Mary Lou Weidman all exhibit different styles of exuberant expression, but all are recognizable. Or maybe you prefer the structure and precision of Michael James or Victoria Findlay Wolfe. Perhaps you want to go a different way with an improvised look and feel.
Here are a few ideas for how to start a series of works to develop your own voice:
Color Palette Exploration: Create a series of quilts that focus on exploring and experimenting with a specific color palette. This could involve variations in shades, tones, and combinations to evoke different moods and emotions. Or perhaps try two-color quilts in multiple iterations. To pique your interest, here are three very different ideas using the same two colors, which I drew in EQ8. Imagine all the ways you could extend this, learning how the arrangements of shape and value affect the outcome.
Geometric Shapes and Patterns: Devote a series to exploring different geometric shapes, patterns, or quilt blocks. Pick a specific shape to feature, such as squares, triangles, hexagons, or specific geometric arrangements in each piece. A series of maple leaf or churn dash quilts would let you explore different ways to arrange shapes, values, and colors. In terms of pattern, do you fall in love again and again with batiks, or solids, or repro prints? Use that fascination and try new ways of showing those fabrics.
Cultural Influences: Design a series inspired by the vibrant colors, patterns, and motifs of a particular culture or region. This could involve researching and incorporating elements from traditional textiles or art forms. Are you inspired by Australian or African prints, or Japanese shibori? Do Amish quilts make your heart sing? How can you use these inspirations to explore your own style?
Nature and Landscapes: Focus on a natural theme by creating a series inspired by landscapes, flora, or fauna. Each quilt could represent a different season, habitat, or specific plant or animal species. See my recent post with the beginning of my Animal Alphabet series.
Historical Eras: Explore different historical eras through quilting. Create a series that captures the essence of specific time periods, incorporating historical textiles, patterns, and colors that define each era. I’ve made three quilts inspired by specific historical quilts from approximately 1800-1820. (See posts on My Harlequin Medallion Quilt, Fire & Ice, and Martha Washington’s Children’s Games.) None of them hews exactly to their inspiration pieces, since I modified them to suit my tastes and desires. While they are very different from each other and don’t appear to be of the same “voice,” each taught me lessons about design, contributing to my overall body of work in ways that might not be apparent. Click on any image to see larger.
Emotional States: Express a range of emotions through quilts. Develop a series that conveys emotions such as joy, sorrow, excitement, or serenity. Experiment with color, composition, and fabric choices to evoke these feelings.
Upcycled Materials: Challenge yourself to create a series using upcycled or repurposed materials. Each quilt could feature a unique combination of reclaimed fabrics, promoting sustainability and creativity. Sherri Lynn Wood‘s quilting might get you started.
Personal Journey: Chronicle your personal journey or experiences through a series of quilts. Each piece could represent a different chapter or significant moment, using symbols, colors, and patterns that hold personal meaning.
Technique Focus: Explore a specific quilting technique in-depth for a series. This could include appliqué, patchwork, or free-motion quilting. Each quilt in the series showcases the artist’s increasing mastery of the chosen technique.
Literary or Social Themes: Draw inspiration from literature or music for a quilt series. Select a favorite song, book, poem, or theatrical performance theme, and interpret it visually through quilts. Each piece could represent a different aspect of the work. Or maybe you’d like to make a series exploring a social concern of yours, such as democracy, immigration, or the climate crisis.
There are so many ways to work in series. Choosing a specific theme lets a quilter delve into various aspects of their craft with focus. The key is to not just imitate but to explore and innovate, creating a cohesive and meaningful body of work that showcases their skills and unique artistic voice.
Do any of these ideas inspire you? Tell me more in comments!
Catbird Quilt Studio 
Oh boy, I certainly work in series, the issue being that I have several series going at once. Probably my longest one is scrap quilts; I’ve designed many and made many designs by others as well. My current series is maps, though I also have a series of triangle quilts going…it’s hard NOT to work in series since once I get an idea I perseverate 😀
Lots of excellent ideas and food for thought.
Thanks!