Nancy Crow

by Nancy Crow, Jean Robertson (Foreword)

World-renowned quilter Nancy Crow's work is presented for a general audience for the first time in this volume. Divided into nine major quilt series, the book shows not only the diversity and dynamism of Crow's work, but also many of the artifacts and places that inspired her. With excerpts from her journals and sketch books combined with side panels that track important events in her life, this book also gives insight into how Crow's thinking and art evolved after major events in her life. Many of the featured quilts have never before been photographed.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Quilting

324 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Julie Waldman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I guess it makes sense that an artist who works diligently in series would create works that tend to blend into each other and maybe even get indistinguishable (and possibly boring...)

But -- the sheer volume of her work and her focus and the number of truly beautiful pieces is pretty amazing!

[Amberwench · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with color photos of the designer Nancy Crow, from inspiration to color plotting to finished quilt. Excellent resource for inspiration.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mostly photographs of quilts and influences with a little text. Coffee table book. But also a window into creativity.

This seems to be about a transition from regular piecing to improvisational piecing (though there is another book I have not read called "Transitions." I had actually started to read this one closer to its publication date, but set it aside. I"d liked earlier works by Crow and was not into improv at all. As I've gotten more accustomed to improv, I thought to give the book another read. And I liked it better this time.

I was surprised by a photo with the motto, "Stop Procrastinating" on the design wall. Crow seems so driven, that procrastination doesn't seem to fit. However, in the interview at the end of the book, she seems to equate repetitive work, work that isn't growing/evolving with procrastination. Busy procrastination...interesting concept.

I identified with Crow's interest in shape, color, line, proportion over representation and emotion. Although occasionally she finds emotion being expressed, she said it has to happen naturally--not be sought. Meaning, likewise. Her focus is on the composition. Climbing up and down a ladder to place and replace pieces of fabric while designing is not something I'd thought of when looking at large works!

I like her idea of working in a series because one cannot solve all design problems in one piece. I enjoyed seeing the connections between photographs of places and her work, rhythm and line in the Construction series; rhythm and line in nature and in buildings. It made me want to go out walking, camera in hand, then come home and quilt.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nancy Crow is an outstanding fiber artist who has done bold work for many years--I love to look at what she has done and am occasionally inspired by it

[Darlene Dion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. I enjoyed learning about her life and process. Wonderful teacher and person who enjoys teaching others - demanding of our personal growth and definitely not a spoon-feeder.