Robert E. Moler

As a fiber artisan, I paint on stretched mercerized combed cotton or cotton poplin. I use Versatex and Lumiere fabric paint and permanent fabric markers to create my contemporary designs. As these particular paints are acrylic based, the process of painting is very fast-paced and must be completed in thin layers to achieve certain visual effects. After the design is completed, a backing for the pillow form is also rendered in complementary colors. The stapled fabric is removed from the stretchers and is heat-set with an iron, and then pre-washed to insure color permanency. The painted fabric is sewn into a pillow form, stuffed with anti-bacterial polyester fiber, and the hole is hand-sewn shut. The finished hand-painted pillow is very soft and comfortable, and not a bit stiff. Each piece is scotch-guarded, but may be hand-washed in cold water in a deep sink or bathtub. Excess water should be squeezed out between layers of towels and the pillow may be allowed to air dry to retain its original shape.

-Robert E. Moler