We are thrilled to collaborate with the Artists Association of Nantucket this year to feature their talented artist members. The AAN is a non-profit organization supporting Nantucket artists, providing educational programs in the arts, and preserving the legacy of Nantucket artists. Visit their website, their gallery at 12 Straight Wharf, upstairs, their studio at 24 Amelia Drive, or give them a call at 508-228-0722.
Meet the Artist – Tricia Deck
What is your artistic background/education? How did you first get interested in art?
My mother was always a maker. All of my life, I saw her creating by knitting, sewing, stenciling, decoupage, and more. I became fascinated with photography when my uncle was visiting. He taped a photograph upside down and took a photograph with his 4 x 5 camera. I was in awe. I started taking photographs in high school. Another curiosity-inspiring event happened in high school when I passed the art room. The teacher and a few students were screen printing. It seemed like magic how the image appeared on the paper. I went to Rochester Institute of Technology and majored in Fine Art Photography and minored in Screen Printing. After graduation, I worked for two different screen printers before launching my own screen printing company, Purrington Impressions.
In 1975, I was approached by my brother-in-law, Gary Fujiwara, and his friend Peter Bradford both graphic designers from New York about a screen printing project for the Bronx Zoo Subway station. Peter Bradford led a class that was creating 15 different animals to be screen printed on 4’ x 5’ posters as part of a grant from Exxon to enhance the Bronx Zoo subway stop. Knowing I had the capabilities to print but not the equipment. Peter Bradford and Gary Fujiwara offered to buy the equipment in exchange for printing the posters. I was able to start my own screen printing business when this project was completed. It was a fabulous experience. I have recently found out that some of these posters are in the Smithsonian Museum.
After about 20 years I decided to close my business. I had four children and my husband traveled a lot for business. Always needing a creative outlet I went to a “quilt camp” (a five-day quilt class) with a designer. That started me on my exploration of the use of fabrics. I started to use my photography, graphic skills, and knowledge of fabrics to create Art Quilts. I joined The Artist Association in 2008 and have continued to explore Nantucket images in fabric. I also belong to two different quilt guilds and SAQA an international quilt organization,
If you could master any other medium than the one you most frequently use, what would it be?
A friend of mine has created several handmade journal books. I also love to collect shells wherever I travel. I would love to try and create a handmade journal book with my shells. My husband and I have filled a coffee table with our travel shells.
What is the most inspirational/influential place on Nantucket for you in terms of your art?
I started coming to Nantucket when I was a teenager babysitting for a family in Sconset. I completely fell in love with the island. I am constantly inspired by the images around me. One winter we drove out to Smith Point looking for a snowy owl. Great Point is so magical out at the tip of the island. The dory in the creeks that always seems to be there. Scalloping in the fall. So many images and so little time!
What is the soundtrack to your creative process?
I have always loved Broadway musicals. Thinking about Come From Away, an amazing true story of hundreds of planes that landed in Newfoundland’s town of Gander after 9/11. The musical relays the true story of how the community responded and helped them. Broadway musicals tell a story which is what I try to create in fabric.
Do you have any secret talents or unexpected hobbies? / What are your passions outside of art?
Playing with my grandchildren and biking around Nantucket. I have also designed several quilt shows over the past 10 years. The most recent one was Quilts 250 Stitching in the Spirit of Democracy in Concord, MA.
You’ve been given an unlimited budget to curate your dream collection for a new gallery. Who’s art/what are you including?
There were several influential quilters back in the 70’s who changed the quilt world. The quilters started creating images out of fabric instead of using patterns. Ruth McDowell is an example. I’d love to have a show that shows the transition from quilt patterns to Art Quilts. Today there is also a new division of modern quilts.
What are you currently working on?
I recently finished a quilt of the Old North Bridge in Concord, MA for the 250th celebration of the American Revolution. My quilt was the image for the quilt show.
Who are three artists who have influenced your work?
Ruth McDowell, Gee’s Bend Quilters, and several other quilters that started the art quilt movement in the 70’s.
Describe your ideal day on Nantucket…
Taking an early morning walk around the creeks, having breakfast on our porch with family, and heading to the beach. Ending the day at 40th Pole or Smith Point with a beach picnic and staying for the sunset. Watching the Piping plovers sunn up and down the beach.
What is your inspiration while producing artwork? What are you thinking of and attempting to create?
I am always observing my environment. If something piques my interest I will take several photographs. I find that I percolate the images I have. I also might go back and take more photographs of something that intrigues me. After some time I will then start to create the image with fabrics.