Bio

Didi Skidmore is an award-winning artist on a lifelong journey creating imagery from fiber

An older woman with short gray hair and glasses, wearing earrings, a colorful red-orange shawl, and pink pants, sitting outdoors among greenery and large pottery art.

Four themes describe the narratives of my Art Quilts & 3 -Dimentional pieces

  • retelling a story of the unexpected beauty found in nature

  • interpreting a story of visual imagery that arises in my mind from poetry & daydreaming

  • creating “psychotherapy quilts” that come from the depths of my personal life journey

  • participating in social justice stitching to create awareness of inequity and injustices that go unseen in our country

The thread of continuity that runs through my work is the exploration of these themes using my love of manipulating fabrics, threads, beads, papers, mosaic & whatever else is needed to create stories of vibrant color, pattern, line, texture & light.

My intentions & emotions live inside the work when it is finished. I want the details to be so compelling that viewers are drawn into that piece by the layers of color, threads, beads & ephemera. Then, I want them to sense that there is emotion, and perhaps a message - realizing there is more here to explore. And although they may not know my intent, by adding their own “stories”, they can find meaning in that moment.

  • Quiltmaker & artist since 1974

  • Resident of Elburn, Illinois

  • SAQA - Studio Art Quilt Associates

  • SJSA - Social Justice Sewing Academy - embroiderer & Rememberance Project Coordinator

  • North Suburban NeedleArts Guild

  • Co-Founder of Hands All Around Quilt Guild of Central Illinois

  • McLean County Arts Center - Board of Directors, 2019 - 2024, President of the Board 2023 - 2024