Interview

Written By Editorial Team

Vince Quevedo

Vince Quevedo is a highly acclaimed designer and artist known for his remarkable contributions to fashion design, wearable art, and art quilts. His innovative approach to teaching methodologies has also garnered him significant recognition. With a solid educational foundation, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Clothing and Textiles, a Master of Science in Workforce Education and Development, and a Master of Fine Arts in Textiles and Fiber from prestigious institutions. With an impressive 35 years of teaching experience, Quevedo has achieved distinction as a finalist and winner in the American Quilter's Association's design competitions for two decades. His outstanding designs have been showcased at the illustrious Bernina Fashion Show, where he captured the attention of fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. In addition to his creative prowess, he holds four patents highlighting his innovative contributions to functional and aesthetic design. As the owner of Vinci Design Studios, Quevedo is dedicated to supporting the next generation of fashion talent. His studio offers complimentary equipment, fashion education, and consulting services to diverse organizations, demonstrating his commitment to fostering creativity and learning.

What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?

“I embarked on my educational journey with a strong foundation in fashion design, where I honed my skills and nurtured my creativity. I went on to earn a Master's degree in Workforce Education and Development, followed by an MFA in Textiles, which deepened my understanding of the intricate relationship between materials and design. My early career was steeped in industry experience, where I navigated the fast-paced world of fashion before I was drawn to the enriching realm of academia, teaching at the university level. My passion for design found a unique outlet when I began exploring the intricate art of quilted garments. As I developed my craft, I had the opportunity to showcase my work through exhibitions and compete in national-level design competitions, where I achieved considerable success and recognition. This experience solidified my connection to the fashion design community and allowed me to express my artistic vision in new ways. It wasn't until I settled into my teaching career that I discovered quilting as an art form in its own right. This revelation ignited a profound passion, leading me to immerse myself in the creative process of making quilts. Since then, quilting has become a pursuit and a deep-seated passion, allowing me to blend my love for textiles and design into a vibrant tapestry of artistic expression.”

What does your work aim to say? Does it comment on any current social or political issues?

“My artistic expression is deeply anchored in human experiences, reflective practice, and experiential learning through creation. I employ quilting, handcrafting, photography, and sophisticated exhibition methods to scrutinize diverse facets of contemporary culture and society meticulously. Positioned within the arts and culture domain, it venerates human imagination and manifests through art. Design thinking is fundamental to my methodology as I transmute personal insights and concepts into tangible embodiments. Moreover, I harness digital technology innovatively to transform my ideas into physical manifestations and craft a distinctive and captivating perspective for viewers to engage with.”

Do you plan your work in advance, or is it improvisation?

“Given my busy schedule, particularly when I’m engaged in collaborative projects, I meticulously plan my work to ensure everything runs smoothly. A significant portion of my time is dedicated to sourcing materials or acquiring new techniques that will enable me to bring my design visions to life. I am committed to sustainability, so I focus on reusing materials and discovering innovative ways to breathe new life into discarded items. As an educator, it’s essential for my artwork to be easily reproducible, allowing others to grasp and learn my techniques effectively.”

“My artistic expression is deeply anchored in human experiences, reflective practice, and experiential learning through creation.”

Are there any art world trends are you following?

“I don't follow trends in the art world. I must stay true to myself and present my work as authentically as possible.”

What process, materials and techniques do you use to create your artwork?

“The traditional craft of quilting has undergone a significant evolution with digital and sewing technology integration. My work has expanded the possibilities of quilting and transformed how we approach this craft. By seamlessly integrating digital images and surface design with texture, I have found a way to convey my artistic concepts through fabric. This innovative use of high-tech technology in a traditionally low-tech craft has given rise to a unique art form, which I proudly call art quilting. It has broadened the horizons of artmaking and ushered in a new era in quilting, akin to a digital renaissance. My process begins with digitally altering a photograph in Photoshop to create the foundation for my art quilt. Subsequently, I use a digital textile printer to transfer the modified image onto cotton fabric. Adding texture to the fabric through echo and channel stitching further enhances the visual impact. Leaving certain parts of the image unquilted adds depth and visual interest to the final quilt.”

 What does your art mean to you?

“My artwork is a vibrant canvas for expressing my inner thoughts and feelings, offering a visual dialogue for others to engage with. Words often fall short in conveying the depths of my emotions and the complex ways of thinking that shape my experiences. When individuals gaze upon my pieces, my intent is not to dictate how they should feel or what they should think; instead, I strive to draw them into a personal exploration of their own emotions and reflections. Through my art, I aspire to inspire curiosity, prompting viewers to ask profound questions about the world and consider alternative perspectives that may shift their understanding.”

What’s your favourite artwork and why?

“The artist I admire most profoundly is Mark Rothko. His compositions are not just visual experiences but mesmerizing explorations of color and emotion that captivate the viewer's imagination. Each canvas invites me to delve deeper, challenging me to unearth meaning in life and appreciate authenticity's profound importance. I am irresistibly drawn to art that resonates on a personal level, artwork that carries layers of deep meaning and evokes strong emotions. Contemporary art fascinates me, especially the innovative ways color is wielded to create mood and narrative. I find myself captivated by the interplay of hues and the emotional responses they elicit. Additionally, I have a profound admiration for the designs of Issey Miyake, whose work merges technology with traditional Japanese aesthetics in an extraordinary way. His textiles are not just fabric; they are remarkable expressions of creativity that push the boundaries of design, resulting in innovative and timeless garments.”

Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?

“The most notable exhibition I was involved with was a solo exhibition in the famous Fashion Museum at Kent State University. The title of this 2019 exhibition was ‘Fortuna,’ based on the music Fortuna Burana and a costume I designed. The exhibition included over fifteen new works in fashion and art. I showcased art-to-wear designs using quilting techniques as well as ready-to-wear designs. It was named as one of the top ten exhibitions in Ohio for that year.”

 
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