Who am I? I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what is in the name we call ourselves.
First I am Barbara Beasley or Barbara Yates Beasley. Why the Yates you might ask. It’s because I share my name with other Barbara Beasleys, and I can minimize the potential confusion by adding my maiden name. I do that for my artwork.
Next I am a fiber artist. Why not just an artist? It gives people a clue when I give them my card that the image on it is not a painting. My primary medium is fused fabric that is quilted. I also love doing needlepoint painting where I load a needle with multiple strands of thread. Fiber artist covers both bases.
I think quilter in the traditional sense also has to be included. I am constantly reminded of my early days under traditional quilts. Just recently I was at Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum looking at the interesting patterns and little motifs in the fabric of the quilts, which reminded me that had been a favorite pastime with the quilts on my bed as a child. I also like how you can give someone a hug with a quilt made for comfort.
Wife, bread baker, gardener, neighbor. Where does it stop? And, really, do any of those words change me? No, I don’t think so. Do they change how others might perceive me? Yes, I’m sure they do. Do I really care? I’m still thinking about that.
Who are you?