Sheila James* from Nanaimo, B.C. is my featured fabric artist this month. This lady is an artist no matter what name she goes by. We are so fortunate to have this talented stitcher living and creating amongst us here on Vancouver Island.  And if one counts the number of times her projects have been published and the frequency they've appeared in galleries you will concur. The first question I proposed to Sheila was which name to use for her Profile? Cinderella

"I'm having an identity crisis.  The official story is:
Before coming to Nanaimo two years ago, I was known as Sheila James.  This kept my work and name separate from my husband with whom I often worked in the public eye.  'Cecile Jacobs' was created for my artwork as separate from my other creative work in writing and theatre.  This rough Latin equivalent of 'Sheila James' gave me credibility: in Canada people cannot credit that someone can be any good at more than one thing whereas in Europe it's common.  I reverted to my legal married name 'Baggaley' when I moved to Nanaimo expecting to be living a retiring retired life with my husband but things have turned out otherwise.  Now I realise that after 13 years, it's time to 'come out of the closet' and be one person only, to avoid general confusion.  So from now on, I'll be using the name 'Sheila James' again instead of 'Baggaley' and gradually ease out of being 'Cecile Jacobs' in time for my upcoming solo exhibition at Nanaimo Museum next Fall." [2012]

*all images & projects ©copyright Sheila James 

1st 4 images are from the Asia Collection "HARMONY: the Hand of God in Asia"

Kaleidescope (58w x 29h)

Lotus

"Indian Portiere" with inset piece "Beyond" (111H x 68W)

"Malaysian Portiere" with inset piece "Savitri's Path of Flowers"

How would you define your style of fibreart?

My artwork style has evolved over 13 years.  My typical work uses Celtic designs, both ancient and purpose-built to express ideas and messages, often in a symbolic way. My artwork is always fabric-based, on which I use hand-embroidery, hand-applique and overlay, fabric paint as my primary media to which are added others as the need arises: soldered effects, beading, shisha mirrorwork etc.

 "Endless Sunset"

 What are some of your favorite projects you’ve created?

All of them because each has had different special challenges.  The ones with complex meanings are my favourites because they have the most to say.  I don’t do pretty pictures for their own sake but only when I have something to say.  Special favourites of this kind are: Spirit of Life; the Okanagan Fire Triptych; and The Dragon in the Sky. 

"Spirit of Life" 

("Dragon in the Sky") "SCALES: Exploring Commonality and Duality"  (86w X 41h)

*"The Phoenix Triptych: Fire on the Mountain"

*Currently featured in the Fabric Art Exhibition at TOSH (The Old School House), Qualicum Beach,BC. until Feb. 18th...Click to review my previous Blog on this exhibit.

 Do you have a favorite sewing machine? No – all my artwork is by hand

 Which instructors or workshops have most inspired you? Never had any

 What other things inspire you to create? Nature and ideas, especially when I can link the two.

 What would you like other stitchers to know about you? 

The message is more important to me than the medium.  When I have something to say (and only then), I design and it might take several months to design in my head before drawing.  Only after that do I consider what media to use to create the best effect for my message – whether stitches, paint, applique, beading, mirrors, soldering iron etc. etc. Therefore I try to absorb as many techniques as I can to give me a fuller repertoire of choices to achieve my effects.

Where did you learn your artwork techniques?

My embroidery was learnt in Primary School in England, though I’ve had to brush it up from books since I started my artwork 13 years ago.  I’ve never had an art lesson in my life and still can’t actually draw e.g. horse or cat! Mostly I’ve learnt through challenge and experimentation but nowadays am keen to learn new techniques as I stumble across them without spending money on workshops and courses.  I suppose I’m lucky to have had a photographic memory that learns from looking at something to figure out how it was done.  Ultimately I admit that I’m a “Jack of all trades but master of none” so that as an ‘artist’ rather than a ‘stitcher’ I tend to fall between discipline cracks.

*My favorite 'signature' symbol Sheila weaves within many of her quilted works is the endless Celtic knot, which reflects her philosophical, spiritual and intellectual themes. Her pieces command our respect and encourage us to ponder and reflect with wonder and amazement.

I'm always pleasantly surprised to see what Sheila is stitching each month when the Dimensional Divas (Nanaimo Chapter of TAS, the Appliqué Society gets together). In fact, it's rare to see her without Thread and needle in hand weaving her special magic.

It's inspiring to share and showcase the talent of artists in my special Blog Profile series. Sheila has an innate ability to translate and communicate her interpretation of images, cultures, and traditions and weave them into her fabric art. This particular skill is perhaps, one of the most challenging for most stitchers who aspire to create original projects. Congratulations Sheila for YOUR special gift. And "thank you" for sharing these works and photos with admiring stitchers.  Surrounded by comforting stitchers you will always be known as "Sheila the Artist."

Cinderella

Cindy Scraba (Cindy's Threadworks.Com)

sjames@rarevintage.ca    http://www.cecilejacobs.com/  (more!)

Sheila refers to her style as "a blend of ancient and newly-created modern". What do you think? Please share your comments below for Sheila and other aspiring fabric artists.

Comments

• This artist's porfolio isn't like anything I've seen before. Thank you for showcasing her talents. I look forward to your next one!
  by jk on 10 February 2012 at 8:11 p.m.
• My oh my, I do love to see Sheila's art. Her multi media techniques becomes the medium for her message. I am so pleased to have the opportunity to view her projects.
  by Carol bailey on 29 January 2012 at 7:40 p.m.

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