Methods and materials
I use a variety of materials, predominately cottons and cottons blends. However, I also use materials not traditionally used in quilting: lace, suede, velvet, cording, cheesecloth and my own hand-dyed fabric. I use an intentional blend of African wax prints, Australian Aboriginal prints and western commercial fabrics. Where I can, I use recycled and repurposed materials.
Methods include traditional piecing, applique – both turned and raw edge, fabric mosaic and collage. Many images will utilize more than one method in the overall construction. Some quilts are embellished with items such as beading, ribbons, metallic foil leafing, and copper wire. A few may include acrylic paints in small areas, but in general, my use of paints is minimal.
Artist Bio
Andrea (Andi) Cullins often refers to herself as the “Grandma Moses of Fiber Arts”, having started her artistic career at age 70. Ms. Cullins is largely self-taught in her artistry, having received some early art training as a member of the Philadelphia public school’s Saturday Art League, which identified promising high school artist and provided them instruction with teachers from near-by Temple University.
After her undergraduate work at Catholic University in Washington, DC, Andi spent over forty years in a career in corporate executive search where she was known as an insightful problem solver, strong team builder, and communicator; all talents she brings to her art.
In 2019, after a bout with cancer, Ms. Cullins retired from her corporate career. In 2020, she began creating the art quilts which she calls her 2nd Life Quilter’s Collection. She has been very well received as an emerging artist. To date her work has been shown in the following:
• Solo exhibit sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Art Council
• Maker of the Month in the June 2021 edition of the Southern Maryland magazine.
• She was featured as the Visual Artist for Juneteenth by Prince George’s County’s 2021 virtual celebration. Her work was featured on the County’s You Tube site.
• Dark Heart, Covered - included in Leonardtown Art Walk, September 2021
• Leap of Faith - included in August Open Show, The Art League, Alexandria, VA.
• Night’s Watch - honorable mention - Heroes and Villains, 2021, The Art League, Alexandria, VA.
• November 2021, Catholic University, solo show for National Black Catholics Month
• Upcoming - Feb. 2022 - Featured Artist - Harmony Hall Arts Center, Ft. Washington, MD.
• Upcoming - Nov. 2023 - Solo show, The Art League Gallery, Torpedo Factory, Alexandria, VA.
Memberships:
• St. Mary’s Arts Council;
• Maryland State Arts Council;
• The Art League, Alexandria, VA.;
• Potomac Fiber Arts Gallery, Alexandria, VA.;
• Studio Art Guild Association - National
Andi is a long-time resident of the Washington, DC Metro area and currently resides in Clinton, MD with her husband, Dr. Clifford Collins, USAF, Retired.
