At The Rust Belt Market: Quétarshé Historical & Contemporary Textiles

The offers a unique experience for patrons as well as vendors. The new art market is host to more than 60 artists every weekend. Each week, Ferndale Patch will feature one artist and get a closer view of what the heck they do.

Ferndale Patch: Who are you and what do you do?

Sheila Palmer: I am Sheila Palmer. I am a fiber designer and textile artist. I work in the fabric arena by creating wonderful textiles.

Ferndale Patch: How did you get your start?

Palmer: I’ve been working with fabrics since I was 7 years old. I came from a family of eight and I was the oldest girl, so I was very mature and I had a lot of responsibilities in the home. Both of my parents worked. We older kids had to be responsible. I had such a good such a good mentor as a mom, as far as a domestic example. My mom was always cooking and cleaning.

At 7, I started playing around with fabrics and using a sewing machine. Then in the seventh grade, there was a program at school. All of the girls were in the bathroom, talking about what they were going to buy and wear. I told my mom about it and she told me that she would buy the fabric and make the dress by hand. Something about that must have clicked, because everything I do has to be hand done. It was a plaid wool, pink and apple green fabric that we found on sale. I regret that I ever let that dress go.

Everything I do with fiber that I work with -- my hand has to be in to it. I do not use any machinery, except what it’s necessary, like a sewing machines. 

Ferndale Patch: What inspires you?

Palmer: What inspires me is the organic, natural things around us.

I am also inspired by the past. I’m inspired by all of the indigenous things, like pottery and architect, which no longer exist. I am inspired by lost cultures and trying to recreate them in the context that we can use them today. I have a Bachelor’s in fine art and fibers, and art history, I doubled my major. I noticed that no one was really doing textiles and fibers and using a historical base for it. I found a niche and it’s something that I love doing and love learning about.

Ferndale Patch: What is it about the Rust Belt that attracted you to it?

Palmer: They wanted people here who create their artwork by hand. People who are innovative, creative, visual and unusual – and I thought all of those characteristics are good. The antique niche part of it, I wasn’t so sure about. But what I guess the vintage does is create a pass with the new. Since I’m historical and contemporary, I kind of understand that.

I love that I can come here and I can create my space. There were no boundaries or parameters within your allotted space.

Also, I like the fact that Tiffany and Chris (Best, Rust Belt Market owners) look at your work online. It’s juried, it’s not like just anyone can be here. I like that because it gives integrity to what artists do. And no one is out there pushing for artists like they are. And they’re young and feel this way! These are young people that see the value in the artist and they understand that many jobs in this area have been lost to other countries, but here – you are honored.

Ferndale Patch: Tell us one thing about your work that would surprise us.

Palmer: It’s always evolving. It’s always implementing new thoughts. My work is very emotional. When you see a particular shirt and then next year, you may see how I’ve taken that same shirt and totally changed it from last year. But it’s still Sheila. Every week, something is new. The creativity is just constant. I can constantly invent and reinvent the elements within my line. That’s what I’m passionate about. Everything is about passion. Whether I’ve had a horrible day or a great one, whatever happens to me – it empowers my work.

My work is very expressionist, but it runs in line with authenticity. The materials that I use are always natural. They are organic. They are sustainable. Silks, cottons, wools – I avoid anything synthetic. They are wearable treasures for your soul and your body.

Quétarshé is a permanent vendor at Rust Belt Market. Purchases can also be made through her website at: http://www.quetarshe.com. Make sure to “like” her Facebook Page.