Jan Frederick Campos
PROFILE
Jan Frederick Campos is a largely self-taught contemporary fiber artist whose quilts are comprised of large forms that are overlaid with hand stitching. Born and raised on Long Island, she moved to California where she apprenticed and became a master gilder, restoring and recreating historically accurate frames for collectors and museums. The exacting work of this ancient craft was a perfect fit; for working in detail is not a choice for her, but a need. Before moving to Charlotte, she lived in Mexico City, Caracas, Venezuela, and Amman, Jordan. None of the moves allowed for much luggage (two bags for two years) so the artist’s need to continue detail work lead to endeavors such as documenting Palestinian needlework designs or drawing and watercolor painting. She considers fiber and quilting her new concentration and she’s passionate about stitching.
EXPERIENCE
Mint Condition Live Auction, Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, NC 2004.
The Quark: Flavor 5 was selected as an auction item for the annual fundraising weekend sponsored by the Founders’ Circle, the national affiliate support group for craft at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design.
Mint Condition Live Auction, Mint Museum of Craft + Design, Charlotte, NC 2005. Ball + Chain #5 was selected as an auction item for a second year.
Handcrafted: A Juried Exhibition of Craft, The Rocky Mount Arts Center, North Carolina. January - March 2006.
Department of Cultural Resources Exhibition: Governor’s Executive Mansion North Carolina Craft Exhibition. Beginning in April 2006 and traveling to museums throughout the state of North Carolina.
The Fine Arts Center Bascom-Louise Gallery Juried Exhibition May - June 2007 The Highlands North Carolina.
South Eastern Center for Contemporary Art (SECCA) Exhibition titled: Line Dance March 15 - June 30, 2008.
American Style Magazine, February 2009, Ahead of the Curve: listed as ‘an emerging artist taking studio quilts to the next level.
EDUCATION
Nancy Crow Quilting Workshop/Master Class 2003,2004
Quilt Surface Design Symposium 2002 Columbus Ohio
Gilding Apprenticeship with Richard Tobey Hollywood, California 1973-1980. Apprenticing and then working in the Tobey Studio as Master Gilder
Associate Degree Graphic Art and Design at SUNY at Farmingdale 1971
THE QUILTS
My quilts are based on my charcoal drawings. The quilts consist of two separate processes. The piecing process is done more like a sculpture, by cutting form out of fabric. Using mostly linen and silk, the fabrics are carefully positioned together and subsequently with a single cut, the foreground is integrated into the background. I strive for simplicity of line and solid form. The stitching process is independent of the forms. Stitches are totally improvisational and all done by hand.