Our third Studio Artist interview is with San Francisco-based artist Margaret Timbrell. Margaret has participated in group exhibitions at San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, and was also our Artist in Residence in the Fall of 2018. You may remember her work with needlepoint and humorous, uncanny autocorrected spellings.

You can see more of her work here:

What are materials and processes utilized in your body of work?

My work is mostly needlework. Usually needlepoint or embroidery but recently I was commissioned for a 15' wide latch hook portrait of Minnie Pearl. It hangs behind the reception desk of the newly opened Graduate Hotel Nashville. While sheltering in place I'm writing down the funny things my 4 year old twins are saying and stitching them on some Candamar needlepoint canvases. See my newest masterpiece, My Butt Hurts, for reference.

Describe the main differences of your 'old' studio to your 'Shelter in Place' studio.

3 weeks ago I was rich in studios! I am currently the AiR at Ramon’s Tailor, an alternative art space on Jones St, I have a new super messy studio space at the Pacific Felt Factory in SF, and I have use of the facilities at the Minnesota Street Project Studios. Now I stitch on the corner of our sofa that has the best light which is awesome because that’s all a needlepointer really actually needs. Everything else is storage.

What advice would you give to other creatives at this moment in time?

Keep on making. Your art is providing hope to others around you. I find it immensely inspiring to follow other artists and makers on social media. Post your Work in Progress (WIP) (@ me or forward to my Instagram) and I will share it in my mini daily “gallery” of WIPs and recently created work. Let art help carry us through this!

What drew you to the fiber art medium over others?

The pragmatism of needlework is one of its most appealing features. You can stitch anywhere, on almost everything, for many reasons: decoration, mending, communication.

What non-art related activity do you do to invigorate your body/ mind?

I run.

Anything else you would like to say or mention?

Stay inside and keep stitching.