Joan started sewing at the age of eight, shortly after joing 4-H; beginning a life-long journey with fabric although it was when she found quilting, at the age of 24, that Joan really fell in love and became a life-long quilter. Then many years later, Joan opened up a custom framing and handcrafted art gallery and found that while she loved what she did at the gallery it left little time to quilt.
Until one day she attended a bead show with another artist and returned with a pile of beads which lead to the idea of making mini quilts and embellishing them with beads, ribbons, or buttons and framing them! This was the beginning of MJ Smith Fabric Collage. The mix of fabrics, beads, buttons, silk ribbons, colors, and textures continues to inspire Joan; and adding the additional dimension with the framing just makes every piece Joan creates ready to inspire you.
Fabric collage is the art of blending fabrics into a unique composition of texture and style. Adding other elements...stones, yarns, beads, ribbons, metals, and found objects - piecing until the design comes to life. A beautiful tapestry of artistic expression; each one unique. Custom framed to enhance their beauty and add another dimension to the style.
Please contact Joan Smith, at Gallery 143 for an appointment to see her current work or to commission a personal work of art completed with love by Joan.
A sweet flower collage that reminiscene of a soft sunny summer morning. This piece is completed using a mix of linens and cottons to layer the background with a brightly colored flower that really pops out. While this piece is sold, Joan is able to complete another one with colors specific to your needs.
One of Joan's personal favorites as well as one of her first pieces using brighter colors. It is also one of her largest collages. The frame was creatively selected to bring the whole piece together in such a spectacular way. This collage is available for sale at the Gallery.
Joan is continually making collages for the front covers of journals. Journals are such a personal item and selecting a fun cover is part of the process of journaling. Picking something that appeals to you, your colors, your mood, or your goals; adding interest and pleasure each time you use it. Perhaps even giving you the feel that you want to use your journal for personal thoughts, art, schetches, or even just doodle.
Autumn is Joan's favorite time of the year and undoubtidly was her inspiration for this piece. This collage is very reminiscent of leaves, alot of them, tumbling onto the forest floor covering up what lies underneath. This collage is available at the Gallery for sale.
This beautiful work of Joan's invokes the feel of early evening in the garden during a light rain. The flower head hangs slightly and glistens with dew as dragonflies buzz around in the misty rain. This peace really exudes a peaceful and calm nature. This collage is for sale at the Gallery.