Sandra Choate
Sandra Choate creates very imaginative wearable art, dolls, sock monkeys and utilizes many retro items such as old ties and antique materials. She may be reached at 509-773-3167.
Artist statement:
Originally from California, I'm a recent transplant to the Northwest.
I love this rural area and am adjusting nicely. Almost ready to get some
chickens.
Much of my sewing experience comes from working as a theatrical
costumer. My first dolls were an expression of the theater and inspired
by theatrical characters. I've been making cloth dolls for over 35
years. About twenty years ago I realized that I didn't need to use
traditional fabrics just because I was doing a traditional pattern. That
was the beginning of the wacky Monkeyshines sock monkeys. They still
make me laugh when I make them. I have always loved rag dolls and I try
to keep that approachable feeling even when I make the more complicated
art dolls. I am fascinated with cultural deities of all sorts and have
been making a series of deity dolls. I haven't run out of ideas or
inspiration for those and look forward to making many more. I have
recently begun a line of recycled vintage clothing, re-making and
re-purposing used denim and incorporating vintage fabrics. Every piece
is unique and I love being able to finally use all that stuff I've been
collecting for years. I also make quilts and quilted wall hangings. I
never had any formal training in quilting, so I tend to have unusual
techniques and will often use out-of-the-ordinary materials.
