MJ Kinman is a contemporary artist specializing in the creation of gemstone representations through the art of quilting. Her work, spanning over two decades, focuses on capturing the brilliance and personality of gems in fabric, culminating in intricate and visually stunning pieces. Kinman’s primary contribution to the world of gemstone artistry lies in her “Birthstone Series,” a collection of twelve quilt blocks, each representing a traditional birthstone. This series, alongside her “Diamond Divas Series” and collaborations with fabric companies like Northcott, has established her as a unique voice in the quilting and art communities.
A Twenty-Year Journey in Fabric
Kinman’s journey into gemstone quilting began nearly 25 years ago, sparked by an initial fascination with the image of a gem. Recognizing the challenge of translating this image into a quilt, she embarked on a seven-year exploration of techniques, ultimately developing a distinctive approach to fabric artistry. Her work has since been exhibited in national competitions, galleries, and museums, including the National Quilt Museum and the International Quilt Museum. It has also been featured in numerous quilting publications, such as Quiltfolk, Quilting Arts Magazine, and McCall’s Quilting.
Her artistic process involves a deep understanding of how gemstones capture and reflect light. Kinman emphasizes the importance of selecting gemstones with “personality” – those possessing a unique configuration of light and color that translates effectively into a work of art. This careful selection is followed by meticulous construction, assembling hundreds of fabric pieces to recreate the facets and brilliance of the original gem.
The Birthstone Series: A Collection of Blocks
The core of Kinman’s work is the Birthstone Series, a collection of twelve blocks designed to represent the traditional birthstones. This series is available as a complete kit, allowing quilters to create a full birthstone quilt, or individually, enabling the creation of smaller projects. The series is a testament to Kinman’s dedication to both gemstone artistry and the sharing of her techniques with others. She launched a teacher certification program in 2018, creating a network of “Gem Affiliates” who are certified to teach her patterns worldwide.
Kinman’s approach to pattern design is characterized by its initial complexity. The patterns contain numerous numbers and markings that may appear overwhelming at first glance. However, she provides clear and encouraging instructions, guiding quilters through the process. She utilizes freezer-paper piecing techniques, a method that allows for precise fabric placement and intricate designs.
Techniques and Materials
Kinman’s techniques are notable for their precision and attention to detail. She employs single-foundation piecing, utilizing a coding system she developed for color wash, placement, and adjacency. This allows her to create a realistic wash of color and light across a gem’s surface. She also recommends using rayon thread for quilting, switching colors for each facet to avoid competition with the hues and color values.
Her collaborations with fabric companies, such as Northcott Fabrics with collections like “Facets by MJ Kinman” and “Jewel Box by MJ Kinman,” demonstrate her commitment to providing quilters with the materials needed to successfully recreate her designs. She also offers a complete thread collection, recognizing the importance of color selection in achieving the desired effect.
Beyond the Birthstones: Diamonds and Inspiration
While the Birthstone Series is a defining aspect of Kinman’s work, she has also explored other gemstone-inspired themes. Her “Diamond Divas Series” features larger quilt patterns inspired by fancy-cut diamonds. More recently, she has drawn inspiration from the National Gem Collection at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History, creating new works based on these iconic gems.
Kinman’s artistic journey extends beyond the technical aspects of quilting. Her lectures and trunk shows, such as “Gems & Joy,” chronicle her personal journey from the corporate world to a creative life. She shares insights gleaned from her decades-long experience, discussing how she spots gemstones with personality and the techniques she uses to enhance a gem’s facets through quilting.
Teaching and Community
Kinman is dedicated to sharing her techniques with others, offering workshops, online courses, and a teacher certification program. Prior to the pandemic, she taught throughout the United States and Canada. Currently, she is involved with Creative Spark, C&T Publishing’s online learning platform. She also fosters a vibrant online community of gem-loving quiltmakers through the Tiny Treasures Club and the “Diamonds & Drama Queens” Block-of-the-Month club.
Her workshops often include a sneak peek at her other lectures, providing participants with a broader understanding of her artistic vision. Participants are encouraged to wash and iron their fabric before attending a workshop, preparing them for the intricate work ahead.
Recognition and Collections
Kinman’s work has garnered significant recognition within the quilting and art communities. Her pieces are included in private and corporate collections, including Maker’s Mark Distillery and the National Quilt Museum (Paducah, Kentucky). She has also been featured on Quilting Arts TV and The Quilt Show.com with Alex Anderson and Ricky Tims.
Conclusion
MJ Kinman’s work represents a unique intersection of art, craft, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of gemstones. Through her Birthstone Series and other gemstone-inspired creations, she has established herself as a leading figure in the world of gemstone quilting. Her dedication to teaching and community building ensures that her techniques and artistic vision will continue to inspire quilters for years to come. Her ability to translate the brilliance and personality of gems into fabric is a testament to her skill, creativity, and passion for her craft.