Photo by Amani Sodiq.
Kerri Green is a Lake Highlands resident who has spent much of her life perfecting the art of quilt-making. Her story is a vibrant tapestry of creativity, innovation and passion woven from her early experiences and a deep-seated love for quilting.
Green has redefined the traditional quilt-making process by infusing it with a modern flair, transforming it into a form of art that captivates and inspires.
“I grew up with a grandmother who made over 100 quilts … They were all traditional,” Green says.
This foundational exposure to quilting, combined with her desire to create something unique, led her to explore the realms beyond traditional quilting.
“I knew that when I was going to have time to quilt later in life, that I wanted my quilts to be more artful … Most of my quilts are art quilts, which are for the wall,” she says.
Green’s artistic journey is marked by a significant dedication to the craft, especially through the hand-dyeing of fabrics. This meticulous process enables her to achieve a distinctiveness in her work, as she crafts quilts that are not just visually striking, but also rich in texture and depth.
“I’ve developed my own pattern piecing technique, which no one else in my industry does,” Green says, highlighting her unique approach to quilt-making.
Her commitment to hand-dyeing fabrics is a testament to her devotion to the art form.
“I’ve been doing this for 12, 15 years. So I have a lot of notebooks and I can dye any color I want. When I pursue my dyeing, I want colors that are not commercially available so that my work looks different,” she says.
This allows her quilts to stand out, ensuring each piece is one of a kind.
Moreover, Green’s quilts are a statement to her meticulous attention to detail and her unwavering patience. She describes the “quilt sandwich” process, where the top layer, batting, and backing are painstakingly joined, as central to her artwork. This method, requiring hours of dedicated effort, is emblematic of the quilting tradition’s deep-rooted craftsmanship. Yet, Green’s innovative spirit shines through even in this traditional technique, as she uses a longarm machine to bring her designs to life, a nod to the balance she maintains between honoring the past and embracing modern technology.
The heart of Green’s quilting philosophy lies in her dedication to redefining the traditional. While quilts have historically served practical purposes, Green’s quilts are conceived as art pieces, each with its own story and soul.
“I just try to do good design,” she states, emphasizing that the aesthetic appeal of her quilts, rich in graphic detail and motifs, is a primary concern.
Green’s quilt “Fractured Fractals” won Best in Show at the Quilters Guild of Dallas show in 2017, a milestone that she describes as a “really exciting time.” Her quilt “Prometheus” was featured in the 20th Biennial Quilt National and selected as the cover art for the show’s book. These accomplishments underscore the recognition and acclaim her work has garnered within the quilting community.
Green’s international acclaim, with her quilts featured in prestigious venues like the Technik Museum in Neumunster, Germany, reflects her work’s universal appeal.
“It’s very exciting because, you know, there are a few countries that really honor quilts even though the tradition of quilts really began in America,” Green says.
Green’s commitment to the craft extends beyond her unique design and dyeing techniques. She is a fervent believer in the power of community and education within the quilting world. Regularly attending workshops and classes, even as a seasoned quilter, Green underscores the importance of lifelong learning and the exchange of ideas.
“I’ve learned how to do improvisational, where you just put pieces of fabric up on the wall … And you just go for it,” she says.
From her mentorship under Nancy Crow in Ohio to her interactions with fellow quilters in Dallas, Green is constantly seeking and providing feedback, a process that enriches her work and fosters a supportive network among quilters.
“It’s just really nice to get critical feedback from your friends,” Green says.
Looking forward, Green remains focused on continuing to evolve her craft, always aiming to “increase, improve my body of work, make it more interesting.”
Her advice to aspiring quilters is grounded in her own experiences: “You just seek it out.” This encouragement to engage with local quilting communities and explore the endless possibilities within the art form speaks to Green’s belief in quilting as a dynamic and evolving craft.
Green’s quilting journey, from the traditional roots instilled by her grandmother to her innovative contributions to contemporary quilting, illustrates a profound dedication to pushing the boundaries of this age-old craft.
Her story is not just about quilts; it’s a narrative of artistic expression, community and the endless pursuit of creativity.
