As the fiber art curator for the Art League of Lincoln—and a loyal member of the nonprofit—Pam Berry creates colorful and intricate wall hangings using a variety of materials, including silk, paper, cotton, beading and paints. “I’m open to all techniques and consider them to be just tools in my toolbox; you don’t want to know too much about a technique or you become a slave to the process,” Berry confides. “It’s better to know just enough to use it and then work your way out of problems.” Berry will be the curator for the Art League’s upcoming fiber art show, Expect the Unexpected, from October 5-29.

HLB: How did you discover fiber art? 

PB: I came from a traditional quilting background; my mother sewed and my mother-in-law and several friends quilted. I loved the patterns and colors, but after a few years I wanted to work with my own designs. It was then I discovered art quilting, which allowed me to use almost any technique or embellishment.

HLB: How do you continue to better your skill set? 

PB: I’ve found that instead of taking classes, I like to try things on my own. Classes are a great place to begin, but I find them ultimately disappointing because my work ends up mimicking the instructor’s style, not mine. I was once told to go home, work and discover my own style and expression.

HLB: What inspires you?

PB: Color for me seems to have a type of texture, so fabric was the perfect medium. I like the fact that fabric will often read differently depending on the placement, quantity and light. The color movement equals eye movement in a piece and is a design goal for artists. You have to keep the eye moving, and the change of color and texture does that.

LB: You assert that failures are your friend. How so?

PB: Mistakes often end up becoming the best of all your efforts for the day. This not only is an idea for my art, but I think for all of life. A mistake or failure is when you quit. I’ve discovered that I need to keep working at the problem, be willing to solve it in new ways, and stray from my original vision.

HLB: Do you find that there are complications with not-so-mainstream mediums?

PB: The obvious one is “fine art” vs. “craft.” It’s artificial, but as an artist and entrepreneur, you need to be aware of the words you use to describe not only your art, but yourself too. It’s important that I’m considered an artist and not a craft person. Traditional quilters often don’t consider their own efforts to be art and see competition between quilters and fiber art. It’s sad and creates a division where there shouldn’t be.  

HLB: Are there any artist groups that have been beneficial to your craft?

PB: Many groups have helped me on my creative path, but the biggest growth came from Mountain Art Quilt. They are an exciting group with generous attitudes when it comes to sharing their talents and knowledge. One’s confidence as an artist is very tender when you first start, and this group’s positive encouragement was just what I needed.

by Heather L. Becker Artisit and Nuggets photo by Dante Fontana. All other artwork images courtesy of Pam Berry.

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