Fabric Artist Cheryl Z. Miller

Fabric artist Cheryl Z. Miller composes lush landscapes and rich still lifes with a sewing machine and a vast supply of natural fabric swatches. Miller, from Mont Vernon, had painted for 25 years in oil, but now relies a simple straight stitch and a mélange of print fabrics as her medium.

Miller starts with an idea and a selection of fabrics from her vast collection. She arranges values and patterns, some vintage, to create the illusion of contour for a pear or the vista of a mountain view. Her motifs have ranged from white flowers, birds, landscapes of all seasons, and fruits, especially pears. She is also inspired by music — several of her pieces depict guitars or stitched-in actual sheet music.

Her work is considered a type of embroidery and not quilting as the fabrics are not appliquéd with turned edges. She prefers the raw edges that add texture and transition to the image. Finished work is mounted on stretchers and framed, and sizes range from 6” square to 20" by 16".

Miller will be exhibiting at the Button Factory Open Studio on December 5 and 6 in Portsmouth. Her work is also available at League of New Hampshire Craftsmen shops in Concord, Hanover, Nashua, Center Sandwich and the Northbound Welcome Center off I-93 in Hooksett. Her work can also be found at Tates Gallery in New Boston.

Framed pieces range from $50 to $350.