I was born in Forest City, Iowa, where my connection to art began as a small child. I was always making something.  I saved bits of fabric, paper, string, paint, wood, interesting rocks – because “I can make something with this”. 

I was influenced deeply by my father, Gordon Gjelten, an architect who thrived on working with his hands and seeing beauty in the world around him. I studied art and languages at Luther College and in Norway where I developed a keen interest in Viking art and modern Scandinavian design.  After a short stint in grad school in Seattle, my careers in education, incentive marketing and sports marketing took me to many, many beautiful places all over the world.  But I always had an art project with me– at meetings, at lunch-time and on the plane.

I married Jay, a great friend from high school in my 40s.  Together we had a son, Ben, when I was 50. Ben is the only thing that really keeps me out of my very crowded studio.  I later lost my husband to brain cancer.  Dragonflies are often featured in my quilts symbolizing Jay and his love of flying.  

I am an art quilter, loving all kinds of textures and fibers, interpreting experiences and favorite images into wall quilts.  I love to teach and write about quilting.  My design book is full of inspiration for the projects to come!

 

Artist's Statement

Gallery Home

 

Favorite Sites

Inspiration

Publications

Classes

Contact

Previous

 

Next

 

Gallery Index

Enid's Bio

Home