Audrey Yankielun is a self-taught artist who walked away from a corporate position to pursue her creative interests. Someone once suggested to Audrey to combine interests, hobbies and talents and see what comes up. So, Audrey combined her stamp collecting, dressmaking, quilting and other artistic activities together.
Something clicked when Audrey ran across a quilt pattern named “Postage Stamp Quilt”; popular in the early part of the 20th century. This particular design uses pieces of fabric that are approximately the size of a postage stamp. Things just went creative from there. She has been inspired to create numerous items – dresses, jackets, wall art and wall quilts, tote bags, note cards, games and accessories using genuine stamps or those printed on fabric.
For Audrey, the greatest compliment has been received. A themed woman’s dress has been acquired by and placed in the permanent collection of Ripley’s Believe It or Not!.
To me, the postage stamp is the last ‘remnant of the communication’ between hopeful sender and eventual receiver. What a shame to keep these colorful and beautiful stamps hidden away in an album on a shelf. What to do?
I look to bring a fresh view to the worlds of art and philately by celebrating the postage stamp in a unique fashion. The postage stamp is the last remnant of communication between hopeful, sender and eventual receiver.
Each stamp on its own is a small work of art yet interestingly, when linked or stitched to another, the stamp does not fade away. Instead, the stamp appears to intensify in color and design, and you are drawn in for a closer look.
All of my extraordinary 2 and 3 dimensional pieces are made with genuine used postage stamps – miniature pieces of art, an art that is sadly disappearing from our mailboxes as electronic communication surpasses traditional post mail.
I enjoy challenging myself with each new project by creating patterns or telling a story with the stamps. I also attempt to not repeat a stamp issue when designing a stripe or patchwork pattern. Depending upon the project I either hand-stitch the stamps together or hand-roll each stamp into a bead shape and then hand-stitch it into place. I have also expanded into having the stamp image printed on fabric.
By taking the lead from the stamp or a collection of stamps, I am able to pursue a theme, then create a textile or work of art based upon that inspiration. You might even think that my creations could be considered education disguised as art.
