Valori Wells is a printmaker, photographer, a professional quilter, a fabric and pattern designer, and the co-owner of The Stitchin’ Post in Sisters, Oregon. Trained as a photographer, Valori experimented with printmaking while she attended Pacific Northwest College of Art, and eventually made her way into the world of surface design (in addition to everything else she does!).
JH: When kids say that they want to be artists, most grownups assume that they want to become painters or illustrators (or, occasionally, sculptors) – but never printmakers. How did you find your way into this medium? What other media do you work in?
VW: I have always loved to take photos and that was my dream since I was 13 and took my first photography class. The college I attended didn’t have a lot of electives for photography but had an AMAZING printmaking department. I fell in love with printmaking my first year of college and continued to study through out the four years.
How would you describe your work?
I work from my heart and am constantly inspired by my kids and their love of life. My work is playful and layered with colors and textures. I feel like my work is ever changing and evolving.
What’s the first thing you ever remember making?
Gosh that is hard because I grew up in a very creative household. I think the first thing I remember making was a quilt with my mom, probably for a doll or my cat.
You are both a fine artist and a commercial one. How do both practices influence each other?
They are interchangeable in how they influence one another….. there are times that I find myself creating just to create and then it evolves into a fabric collection or vise versa. When I am creating to just create I am still working with fabric, printing, and sewing all of those are also linked to my job as a fabric designer.
What are you currently working on, and why?
I am working on a series of quilts for a show in July. I haven’t worked on a project like this before so it is very exciting and energizing. I am also designing my 40th collection of fabric to be released the spring of 2018 which will be my 20th anniversary of designing fabric. It is very exciting and I am still pinching myself that I have been doing this for 20 years.
Do you have a dream project (or two)?
My dream projects involve sharing my love of printmaking through artist retreats all over the world.
What’s next?
I am dreaming and growing as an artist everyday and I feel like the possibilities of what is next are endless. I am open to new adventures and projects that continue to inspire me and push me as an artist.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out?
Experiment, experiment, experiment, fail and grow. Never be afraid of what can happen next. Take chances and push your creativity.
How can people find you? (website, shop, Instagram, Facebook page, Twitter, etc.)
Website: www.valoriwells.com
Instagram: @valoriwells
Twitter: @valoriwells
Facebook: Valori Wells Designs Page