"As a designer, I approach my quilts, garments and art cloth as a celebration of color, pattern and texture. The sheer process of creating and the moments of 'bright ideas' are magic.

My art career began with paper earrings 16 years ago. I made and sold thousands of them at southern California art fairs. I moved into hand painting silks which evolved into one-of-a-kind wearable art. Many of these garments were quilted. I moved into art quilts through these garments.

Currently I use commercial fabrics for these quilts -- just one less decision to make."

Joanell Connelly photo
  It Took a Year View From My Cessna 180