Bio: Roxanne Schwartz makes textile art inspired by social justice and environmental issues as well as by travel, health, and family. Her goal is to inspire others to consider fresh approaches to these topics. Her work has been in group and juried shows, including exhibitions in Europe, Taiwan, and the US. Roxanne lives and works in Berkeley, California and has a BA is from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Artist Statement: Fiber art is my path to personal and political change. Attract the viewer with color, texture, pattern; then the message emerges.

My intention is to lead viewers to consider social and personal issues in new ways. Through color, design, composition, and line I strive to inspire others to move through the visual toward action. How can beauty change the world? What can we do about climate change and war? How can we live with loss?

Textile as a medium is a natural path for me. I have sewn since I was a child, and grew up in an art-filled home with an artist-mother who taught me to see color, composition, and light in daily life. As an art quilter, I am especially drawn to thread work to define line, create texture, and evoke emotion. Most of my pieces use a mix of hand-embroidery, machine piecing, and free-motion machine stitching. All are original, one-of-kind designs, created entirely by myself without design software or computerized sewing equipment.