I am a quilter, and writer with more than 30 years of experience in thread, needle, yarn and messing around and finding out. I have participated in countless art shows, fairs, fests, and markets over the last 15 years.  Most recently my work has displayed at Quilt Week in Paducah in 2023 and QuiltCon 2024.

As the author of the Quilters Inspiration Deck, published by C&T Publishing, I aim to help quilters let go of perfection and embrace play.

A self-taught outsider artist, I was mentored by my grandmother, mother, aunts, and peers, who instilled in me a deep connection to the tradition of women’s work. Now, as the Professor of Fiber Art at the College of DuPage, I am passionate about sharing my skills and teaching others to create with curiosity.

Hi friends! I’m Teresa.

Artist Statement

As a Maker I always begin with curiosity.  My practice is both reflective and tactile—a space where the act of making becomes meditative and meaningful. My primary focus is self exploration and acceptance. As a quilter, I celebrate imperfection, boldness, lineage and skill within my pieces.

  Folk art influences are a constant thread in my creative process. Houses, florals, stars, and geometric repetition appear not only as design elements but also as symbols. I am particularly drawn to the symmetry and simplicity found in folk traditions, and I reinterpret these forms to reflect a modern sensibility while preserving their timeless spirit.  Using repurposed fabrics when possible, I create pieces that explore themes of heritage, community, and human connection. Traditional quilt appear in my work, reimagined through my personal experiences and curiosity. These patterns serve as bridges between the past and the present, honoring the generations of makers who came before me.

Through my work, I honor the legacy of quilting by connecting the past—rooted in making do with what you have and expressing resilience through struggle—to our modern need for connection and self-expression through creativity.