Sandra Gregg

What are your earliest memories of being artistic?

My mother was an artist so being an artist was never dismissed in our house. Everyone took lessons and played at least one instrument plus the piano, so the arts were definitely a big part of our lives growing up.

When did art become a pursuit?

Since I retired from working a day job in 2002, I have considered myself to be a full time artist. I have taken a lot of classes and tried many techniques. While I was working and raising two sons, I dabbled in art and craft, but there wasn’t time for intense study or production.

Are you self-taught or formally educated in visual art?

I was an art major in a liberal arts college. The major was ½ studio art and ½ art history which meant that there were very few studio art classes needed. At the time I was interested in printmaking. Looking at my work, I guess I was influenced by that since screen printing has become part of my art practice. I would say that most of what I use now I’ve gotten from taking classes in the quiltmaking world since there was a very big gap between graduating from college and the point at which I considered myself to be an artist.

How did you first become involved with CAA?

I have participated in Cambridge Open Studios for a number of years, and last year other artists in the venue in which I was exhibiting suggested joining CAA. I’ve only been a member since Feb. 2018 but so far am very pleased that I finally joined.

In what other ways are you involved in the local art community?

In addition to Cambridge Open Studios I have also exhibited in the Cambridge Arts rental program. I’ve exhibited at Boston Properties, Workbar, Unum Therapeutics and Potenza Therapeutics. There is an exhibit program at the Newton Free Library, and I have exhibited there a couple of times, and also at the Bedford Library.

What medium do you currently work in and how did you choose this medium?

I work in fiber and my work is 2D and designed to hang on the wall. I begin which white fabric and apply paint or dye and eventually add batting, backing, and stitching. I began making traditional quilts 40 years ago and once I had made enough bed quilts I began making quilts designed to hang on the wall that really look like paintings.

What is your creative process? Where are you finding ideas for your art these days?

My work is technique driven. I frequently work in series, so will begin with a technique and then develop it as I explore the what ifs. I take several classes a year with quilt artists, and new ideas often begin to take shape as a result of a class.

In your opinion, what’s your best/favorite piece you’ve made?

My favorite piece is always the one that I’m working on at the moment. I think it take a period of reflection after the piece is completed to be able to look at it objectively and decide whether or not it is good. I also find that looking at a piece in a new environment often helps me to see what more needs to be done. Hopefully that happens before the piece is finished, but I think you can always go back and change things even when you thought you were done.

What’s your favorite place to see art?

My favorite place is Storm King Art Center. I appreciate the massive sculptural work displayed there in a very green rural setting.

What living artists are you inspired by?

I am inspired by Ruth McDowell, Betty Busby, Sue Benner, Claire Benn, and many other quilt artists. I think all artists are inspirational, if only because their viewpoint is different from mine and is worth considering.

Do you own any art by other artists?

I do own art by other artists. My mother was a painter, so I have some of her work hanging at home. I also have work by other artists that I’ve purchased over the years.

Do you have any shows coming up?

I will be exhibiting several pieces at the Bedford (MA) Library from May 10-July 10.

Website: www.sandygregg.com