Penny Berens       

		I am pleased to introduce my friend Penny Berens to you. I first learned about Penny in her role as a teacher. She possesses a wealth of knowledge and information that she generously shares. She is known for her enthusiasm and caring as well as her expertise. At a conference I attended several years ago some of her students extolled her virtues. "You must meet Penny," they said. Luckily for me, I did. Like all wonderful teachers, Penny is also
a committed learner. She is both thoughtful and insightful. She uses her art as a vehicle for learning about herself and her world. Through her life experience Penny has learned the value of the creative process as a means of personal healing. Penny's work is vibrant and richly textured. It is also deeply personal. I am touched by her images and thrilled by the colours she chooses. I love knowing her interpretation of her work, yet I am never disappointed when I am left to make my own. I am drawn in by her work. As I enjoy it from a distance, I know I will delight in examining the fine detail that is her hallmark. Penny's is an award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited nationally and internationally. Her work appears in an upcoming book by Sandra Meech entitled "Contemporary Quilts: Design, Surface and Stitch". She was a contributing author to Kathy Lamancusa's book "Quilts are Forever: A Patchwork Collection of Inspirational Stories". Penny is a member of the Ontario based fibre group 'Connections'.The group exhibits regularly. 'Connections' was recently featured in 'Artichoke' magazine and will be featured in the January 2004 issue of the UK magazine 'Embroidery'. - Mary Holdgrafer.

"Life Class Revisited"

"Pathways"




"Family Ties"

It is both the tactile nature of fabric and thread as well as the repetitive nature of stitching that draws me to work as a fibre artist. I choose to explore the potential of fibre as a means of bringing to life ideas, thoughts and feelings.

My introduction to quilt making was in 1989. The need for functionality, accuracy and neatness was soon replaced with a desire to explore and stretch the possibilities presented by the medium. I therefore embarked on a City & Guilds Embroidery and Design course. In the midst of studying this disciplined design process, I accidentally joined a group of intuitive painters who taught me to pour paints freely and allow my intuition to take over! These two opposites have played a major role in shaping the artist and teacher that I have become. The focus of my work is intuitive but there are times when I find planning and control hard to resist! I am fascinated with creativity, the creative process and the important role it can play in all of our lives. Through teaching I am able to share my passion for fibre as well as the adventure of the process.

Texture and line play important roles in my current work. I am interested in creating an initial visual that invites the viewer in closer to discover hidden detail not seen from afar. Symbols, both ancient and modern are becoming more important and these can either be the focus of a piece or so insignificant that they go unnoticed by the viewer.


Current and future shows:

"Carlyle Connections.."
A Connections Group show at the Woodstock Art Gallery, Woodstock, Ontario. July 10th - September 11th, 2004.
Each fibre artist has designed a piece based on Florence Carlyle painting. Paintings and fibre work will hang side by side .


"Sentimental Journeys"
at the Carnegie Gallery, Dundas, Ontario.
Sept 10 - Oct 3, 2004.

"Off The Wall"
A juried fibre art show at The Delta Studios, Larbert Scotland. November 6- 14th, 2004. .

Penny is currently teaching for various Ontario Guilds, and can be contacted by email at berens@rogers.com

Penny's website is currently in progress, and when complete, the address will be posted here, so please do check back.