Deana Pfaus - Multi Media Artist - Embroidered Quilts

Deana Pfaus

Florida, USA

Mediums: Embroidered Quilts, Handmade Jewelry

Style: Good Question, I really just do what comes to mind at the time and go with it.

Favorite Quote: Demented and Sad, But Social

Favorite Movies: Underworld, Twilight

Deana Pfaus quilt

KoKopelli Sunset by Deana Pfaus
The sunset of the fabric reminded me of the beauty of nature and I love the Southwest, so I created this with Southwest Style in mind. I did a “rainbow” above the appliqued Kokopellis and hand sewed beads and stones into it. For the dreamcatchers at the ends of the rainbow, I used molted feathers from my macaw for color.

I am an animal lover and I enjoy making embroidery projects based on them and turn them into artsy quilts. I also enjoy creating and designing handcrafted Jewelry with Natural stone and re-purposed items. I believe most of my products reflect upon Nature or animals in some way. Everything I do just comes to mind and I take it from there to completion.

Please tell us about your first experience creating.

Probably as a child, I loved to draw and paint, and did lots of poster work for my moms clubs.

What music do you like to have playing while creating art?

I really don’t listen to anything while I am working. Sometimes there is abstract music in my head from the past that just pops up, but I don’t work with the radio or TV on. Maybe my music is the sound of my animals while I work.

What are you trying to convey to viewers through your art?

Original and Unique pieces that are reflective of color and nature. Water, Fire, Earth and Air.

Tell us about your creative process, from the beginning of a typical piece to its completion:

I just see something, or have an idea come into my head and I start working, usually until I finish my work. With jewelry it’s easier to complete than quilting, as sometimes the embroidery and quilting projects take days to complete.

What things inspire you to create art?

Found objects, Nature, Animals, Colors.

Social D and Me by Deana Pfaus
A Tribute Quilt I made after the guitar player passed away. It was my way of making a remembrance quilt of my life as a teenager and my favorite band.

What exhibitions have you had?

I have only had 2 quilts exhibited in the past. One was a Kokopelli Christmas with a hand beaded and stuffed Christmas Tree, the other was a 2 sided full size quilt titled Social D and me, which had fabric representing what was in the band Social Distortions music and albums. I used a lot of photo transfers in this piece, with album covers and photos of the band on one side, and photo’s of myself on the other side.

Have you sold any of your quilts?

I have sold quite a few of my quilts on Ebay and Etsy. I have only sold a few pieces of Jewelry through Etsy and my personal website.

How do you promote your art on the internet?

Facebook, Linkedin, I am working on trying to figure out the whole blog concept at the time.

Tell us about influences

My Father handmade guns, my mother painted, did ceramics, basket weaving, cross stitch, needlework and quilting.

Please recommend another artist you admire

My favorite artist is a Teddy Bear artist, Martha Burch. She is very personable and creative. She puts personality in every bear she creates.

Tell us something interesting in your life

Not much to tell… I have lived most of my life in Florida, although I did spend 6 years in Colorado and enjoyed ghost town travels on the weekends.

What plans do you have for the future of your art?

Learning how to market myself and figure out a “niche”. Making more Mixed Media Projects, ie: combining embroidery, quilts, and beadwork into original pieces. Becoming better and more proficient at wire wrapping stone jewelry that I tumble myself.

Do you have any good advice for emerging artists?

I’m seeking advice myself. I guess you just have to do what you love and Keep at it no matter what!