Kacey's Surface Pattern Design Story
Kacey Cowdery is firmly established as a fiber artist, and thoroughly enjoys its making. Artists frequently diverge from their expected paths, with reasons specific to each individual. For Kacey, Surface Pattern Design (SPD) creates a challenge in learning new practices. Adobe Illustrator is just one of those big challenges. Also SPD adds a new community of people and their goals, goals to incorporate into a broadened mindset.
The constant in both practices is creativity. Both require the artist’s original concept, and some twist to make the work unique.
Our lives are filled with coincidences that may have big consequences. Kacey accepted a challenge to doodle for 100 days, more difficult than it might seem. At first the ideas flow, the hand and pen become one and pages are filled. Then what, in Kacey’s case it was little thought given to drawing the alphabet. The XKids From Outer Space are a cousin to illuminated letters. They were “X’s” in many shapes, then they got heads and faces, then loops for hands and feet. Finally, they all got names and personalities.
That is a small insight into how an artist works through a concept and begins to explain Kacey’s divergence.
Kacey's Fiber Art Story
Kacey Cowdery primarily practices Fiber Art, Plus. The Plus is her work in painting, book making, a dab of ceramics, and 3D assemblages using plastic slide mounts.
For several years she looked for a subject that was meaningful to her life and culture. The Jeffersonian Grid filled that desire.
Named for Thomas Jefferson, he devised a method of dividing the vast landscape of the United States. Americans were rushing west to settle lands beyond the east coast region, no time to send surveyors. A Grid was laid on the map with no concern for what fell within boundaries. Large plots included woods, water and potential farm land.
Kacey’s mother was raised on a farm. Visits to spend time with her grandparents instilled a connection to the land. And, at nine years old, her mother enrolled her in 4H in their rural community. Her best friend raised sheep in 4H, continuing an understanding of the land.
Kacey has produced a series of works inspired by the Jeffersonian Grid, fulfilling her desire to connect her art to that portion of her personal and family culture.
A second series depicts traditional Board Games in fiber art. Growing up her family played Board Games. There is a fondness from childhood. The subjects of her work broaden each year.
Nine years old, 4H, and Mom as our Sewing Leader, “Thanks Mom!” She was taught to sew as a child and developed an appreciation and knowledge of textiles. We learned to make garments, from simple to complex.
Kacey earned a BFA at Maryville University, majoring in Interior Design. That curriculum included multiple mediums. When students could choose how to build a project, Kacey always chose fiber.
Many years in commercial interior design began her career, followed by a twenty-year career in natural stone sales. There was only a little time to sew or make art.
Over time she made the transition from making garments to fiber art. Her work often consists of art quilts and drawing with thread. Her preferred methods of handwork are embroidery, beading and appliqué. She gravitates toward bright colors. Contrast in colors and composition create meaningful artwork. As her work has developed, she has begun to experiment with dolls and three-dimensional constructions. Lured back to garments, Kacey has developed a series of wearable art.
Kacey is currently a member of Foundry Arts Centre, Missouri Fiber Artists, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Studio Art Quilts Associates, TAFA List and a Webster Arts supporter. She shows regularly and has won awards and recognition for her fiber art.
Email: kacey@kaceycowdery.com
Website: kaceycowdery.com
Instagram: CowderyKacey
Facebook: Kacey Cowdery
Pintrest: Kacey Cowdery
YouTube Channel: Kacey Cowdery
Nine years old, 4H, and Mom as our Sewing Leader, “Thanks Mom!” She had been taught to sew as a child and developed an appreciation and knowledge of textiles. We learned to make garments, from simple to complex.
Kacey earned a BFA at Maryville University, majoring in Interior Design. That curriculum included multiple mediums. When students could choose how to build a project, Kacey always chose fiber.
Many years in commercial interior design began her career, followed by a twenty-year career in natural stone sales.
Over time Kacey made the transition from making garments to fiber art. Her work often consists of art quilts and drawing with thread. Although not abandoning fiber art, a second transition was to Surface Pattern Design.
The first step was to learn Adobe Illustrator. Repeat patterns, Cut & Sew patterns, as well as bandana, ribbon patterns and art prints have been developed.
XKids From Outer Space parade across many designs. In addition, two children’s books feature the XKids, Stop! Don’t Be a Bully and Meet the XKids with Fun Activities.
Kacey is currently a member of Missouri Fiber Artists, St. Louis Artists’ Guild, Studio Art Quilts Associates, TAFA List and Webster Arts.
Email: kacey@kaceycowdery.com
Website: kaceycowdery.com
Instagram: CowderyKacey
Facebook: Kacey Cowdery
Pintrest: Kacey Cowdery
YouTube Channel: Kacey Cowdery
