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| directory of teaching artists: TERRIE KRALIK |
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“If I’m not working on a quilt or fabric art in some way, I’m dreaming about the details of a new design. I love teaching almost as much as I love quilting, and being able to combine the two is wonderful. I especially enjoy working with new quilters, young or old, and helping them realize that they have an artist inside just waiting to come out. Have you ever seen a student when they finally break through that barrier and discover that ‘Yes, I CAN do that!’ It’s a moment to remember.”
Terrie made her first quilt at the age of 13. She has been teaching quilting classes for more than 18 years, and is known for her patient, calm and encouraging style. She has published patterns and quilting how-to books, many with a wildlife theme; she is a long-arm quilter. Terrie has judged quilt shows; been featured at quilt shows, in newspapers, magazines and on television; she lectures and teaches nationally and her quilts are displayed nationally. As a Teaching Artist, Terrie loves working with elementary level students. Describe a transformative process that has occurred in your own practice as an artist or in a past residency as a teaching artist. I enjoy seeing students as they work through specific problems in their project - whether it is cutting a piece of fabric to fit a strange shape in their fabric mosaic, or trying to figure out why the pattern they were drawing didn’t quite work out the same on both sides of a border, or when they realize what proportion is all about. I notice that those practical lessons give them better problem solving skills; they use that knowledge when they work on another part of their project or work on a second project in the series. They visibly are more confident in themselves after working through those problems. I teach the value of experimenting and asking “what if” questions, and students really appreciate being given that freedom. Since freedom isn’t allowed in a lot of studies, it’s often a new concept to students. When writers compare me to Tiger Woods, or students call me a “rock star quilter” and refer to my quilts as “breath-taking,” when I have reached a student who thought that quilts and fabric were for old ladies, (and now wants to work through lunch on a fabric project), some transformation has taken place. What excites your imagination and in turn how does your work excite imagination for your audience? Fabric and color really excite my imagination. I am excited by new gadgets, beautiful scenery, wildlife both in appearance and movement; textures in nature and fabric with printed textures; exploring a new concept and following through on a design idea; experimentation. Working with fabric and teaching others what I know excites me and triggers my imagination. My audience is excited after seeing the variety of projects I do, the different techniques I’ve used with fabric and many color combinations; they are able to look at fabric in a new way. They can physically touch fabrics and feel the effect of quilting on items; they can try something first-hand. I help them see the possibilities with fabric and quilting and empower them to explore and experiment. This excitement and empowerment takes them well beyond working with fabric into their everyday life, giving them confidence and self-esteem and permission to be curious and explore. What characteristics mark a successful collaboration for you? A successful collaboration is marked by a feeling of empowerment by everyone involved, both as teacher(s) and artist(s). The students feel this electricity and synergy, and have a better learning experience with the involvement and contribution of all rather than by teacher or artist alone. Many ties are made between classroom studies and everyday life, and the experience creates a positive memory and lasting impression. Adults and students alike learn something valuable. How do you foster creativity, both in your own work and as a teaching artist? I allow myself creative playtime where the focus is exploring the unknown. I set goals for myself, such as to come up with a certain number of variations or ideas; then I try to push beyond that point to the really interesting ideas using the new technique or tool. Basically, I allow myself the freedom to break the rules, ignore the rules, or make up my own rules. I encourage students to ask “what if” questions and give general guidance rather than concrete rules to follow; I explain why. I show examples and provide correlations to everyday life to trigger a response or recognition. I give students permission to create and experience something new without the fear of failure. I teach respect for personal creativity, to believe in themselves and the artist within, and also to respect the ideas and work of others. Everything is presented in a positive manner. Three key understandings in this discipline are:
List three Idaho Humanities Content Standards that
correlate with the each of the core concepts you have identified above.:
Balance, design, symmetry, asymmetry, quilt, quilting, quilt block, pattern, repetition, layout, embellish, appliqué, fusible web, thread, fiber, fabric, cloth, size, dimension, piecing, sewing. Foreground, background, focus fabric or print, rotary cutter, square, half square triangle, flying geese, tradition, contemporary, utilitarian. Tessellations, sashing, color theory, shades, tones. Subject areas outside the fine arts that relate to this discipline are: Social studies, math, creative writing, history, social skills References:
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 Discipline: Visual Arts: Quilts and Fabric Phone: (208) 946-9706 Email: moosequilts@hotmail.com Website: www.moosecountryquilts.com 
ICA Artists by Disciplines Dance Kay Braden Joy Esplin LiAnne Hunt Norma Pintar Rachel Swenson Paul Zmolek Theater/Storytelling Joy Steiner Teresa Clark Language Arts Malia Collins Carol Muzik Judy Sobeloff Visual Arts Deana Attebery Tom Bennick Judith Brand Sue Rooke Lizette Fife Helen Grainger Wilson Bernie Jestrabek-Hart Terrie Kralik Jeanne Leffingwell Amy Nack Mike Shipman Jennifer Williams Linda Wolfe Video/Media Arts Peppershock Media |
 Phone: 208/334-2119 or 800/278-3863 Fax: 208/334-2488 Mailing address: P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0008 Street address: 2410 North Old Penitentiary Rd., Boise, ID 83712 |