Mary Palmer - Co. Cork, Ireland
I create quilts for exhibition and commission. I am primarily self-educated, but have done seminars/workshops with a number of highly respected textile artists such as Sharon Schamber and Diana Harrison. Whilst much of my work has been strongly influenced by traditional shapes and patterns, I strive to create a modern look and feel in my pieces. I use colours, shapes and textures in a manner which I hope draws the viewer in for a closer look. I also like to play with words and concepts and am frequently inspired by architectural shapes and forms as well as the somewhat magical mathematical structures found in nature and music.
In addition to creating my own work; I actively foster the development of others interest in craft, particularly textiles. I do this through teaching patchwork and quilting, organising exhibitions, and taking an active role in the running of organisations such asArt Quilt Fusion, the Irish Patchwork Society, the Quilters Guild of Ireland, the Cork Textiles Network, Cork Craft and Design, and as a Board member of the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland. I am also a qualified judge and regularly assist in the organisation and curation of exhibitions.