Your Neighbor: Janice Smyth

Siesta Key resident and modern quilter Janice Smyth finds comfort in the binary codes, genetics representations and decimals she incorporates in her quilts. Modern quilting centers on clean graphics and bold colors, she says.

As a semifinalist in the 2014 AQS QuiltWeek International Quilt Show in March in Lancaster, Pa., Smyth’s quilt, “Mystery Decimals,” will go up against 173 other quilts chosen out of thousands. If she wins, Smyth will take home $10,000.

The retired anesthesiologist from Newport, R.I., began experimenting with blankets and fabric in 2005; she made her first full quilt, “BarCode,” in 2013. “BarCode” is the largest in her series of three quilts focused on codes. Her second in the series is called “BinaryCode.”

Using a 25-pound, industrial-strength sewing machine, Smyth incorporates a variety of fabrics into her quilts, such as napkins, workout pants, pillowcases and even polo shirts. She is able to produce quilts as tall as 7 feet. Smyth says the different materials add meaning to her work, as well as emphasize her modern ideas.

Smyth’s most recent quilt, “GeneticCode,” is the final installment of the series and is representative of her personal quilting style. To make it, she embedded her late father’s silk ties with quilted off-white cotton remnants. She also drew inspiration from ancient Japanese quilting techniques to portray the progression of 18 chromosome pairs.

“I try to utilize traditional quilt designs and accept the limitations that come with them with a modern message,” she says.

Smyth hopes to continue tackling modern subjects through the unconventional platform of quilting.

“I’m in my comfort zone,” she says.

IN HER OWN WORDS:
“I love the fantastic location. We have a connection to Siesta Key, but the mainland is an arm’s length away.”
— Janice Symth

Neighborhood: Bay Island, Siesta Key
Your neighbor since: 1990

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]