DENISE VANDERLUGT

Denise is primarily a self-taught quilt maker. She designs and makes unique pieces using a combination of several traditional appliqué techniques. Quilting began full time doing both commissioned work and self-expression pieces for exhibition.

She has always preferred the slow and quiet controlled method of working by hand.

The natural environment provides inspiration for her work, and a keen interest in growing indigenous plants, provides food for an ever-increasing array of wildlife in her garden.

With a curious mind and enjoyment for learning new skills, Denise has ventured into printmaking, collage, coiled basketry, bookbinding and artists books. She continues to work across different mediums, with techniques working beside one another, often finding new creative pathways.

Several of these techniques, along with story telling have created a children’s storybook with small hand stitched quilts as illustrations with an embroidered script. The spreads of ‘Where Rainbows Live’ were first exhibited in 2005, and the book was then self published in 2007.

‘Where Rainbows Live’, was a winner of TWO International Awards in 2008, a BRONZE MEDAL for Independent Publishers Book Awards – Children’s Picture Books (6 & Under) and a GOLD MEDAL for a Moonbeam Spirit Award in the Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards.

Book reading and performance to little children is the latest learned skill. The second book is now being worked on.

Over the years, Denise has been invited to teach and speak publicly about her life and method of working both in Australia and overseas.