Artist Mary K. Lyon will be in this year’s Beyond The Fringe. The piece below is titled “Cold Sunset”. (It won’t be in the show though.)

What drives you to create?
Generally, I just get an idea, start sketching and then work to translate it into an actual physical object. It’s a process and I just enjoy doing it.  And sometimes I’ll have a deadline to meet, which really spurs one on!

Why did you choose fiber as your medium?
Bed quilts were what I started with, all very practical. But I had lots of ideas and bed-size quilts take forever, so I started going smaller.  Then everything took off – dyeing, painting, shibori, piecing, quilting. Fabric is just so versatile!

What kind of materials do you incorporate into your art? Where do you find them?
Almost all fabric, commercial, hand-dyed and bleach discharged. I sometimes incorporate beads, feathers or other items. These are either found or bought.

How much time do you typically invest in a piece?
That really varies. If I am using hand-dyed or bleach discharged fabric, I might spend several days just preparing the fabric.  Once I have the design and the fabric ready, the time involved can vary from a couple of days to several weeks.

What is your process to turn your artistic vision into the finished piece?
First the idea, then small scale sketches, then a full-size drawing and preparation of materials, then the cutting and sewing begins.  The final step is adding the batting and quilting.  There are frequently many changes along the way.

What is the special meaning or message behind your work?
I’m not sure there is a special meaning or message.

Some artists create their art for therapy purposes. Does that apply to you?
No, other than that I really enjoy the work.

What artists do you admire most?
I really admire those artists who can push their medium, whatever it is, and use it in new ways. I also admire those who are utterly unique. An example of that would be Van Gogh. You can look at a tiny section of one of his paintings and know that it was done by him just by the brushstrokes.

Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere – outdoors, a color combination someone is wearing or even a phrase.

Do you have any upcoming projects or art shows this year?
I will probably be doing a solo show later this year at Las Comadres gallery in Taos.

How can people contact you?
They can contact me by phone (575-776-3858)
or email marylyon @ kitcarson . net
or through Las Comadres Gallery (575-737-5323)