Map It Virtual Lecture – with Valerie Goodwin

Valerie S. Goodwin is a mixed media fiber artist and architect whose works of fine art are included in museum and private collections.  Most of her work is inspired by a love of aerial views of landscapes and cities.  Many of her quilts are based on maps.  Goodwin’s art has moved rough various stages from traditional quilting to an interest in abstract landscapes and cities.  In some cases, her work shows an architectural sense of space with an archaeological perspective.  In others, the network of city and its built form is more prominent.  These compositions work on several levels, from close up and far away as if one was looking at it from above.

Her work is know for its use of intricate lines and shapes which create complex fiber art maps. Closer inspection of her work shows that these patters are city blocks and landscapes inspired by aerial views of real and imaginary places.  She combines her love of architecture and draws inspiration from architectural maps, plans, and concepts.  Recently, she has added a series of fiber art maps that explore the possibilities of laser cut fabric.  She is intrigued by the intricacy and complexity of the lines and shapes this technology can create.  This direction has given her the opportunity to future explore layering and transparency as well as light and shadow by creating what she calls “lace-like” maps.  Although it is a good direction, her work still focuses on the geometrical relationships, patterns, ordering principles found in architecture.

She received degrees in architecture from Washington University and Yale University. Her award winning work has been widely published and exhibited. She also lectures and gives workshops nationally and internationally. For over 26 years, she taught architectural design at Florida A & M University.

Her book, Art Quilt Maps: Capture a Sense of Place with Fiber Collage-A Visual Guide is widely available.