Michael Hammer: His interest in quilting was sparked more than five years ago.
During a chance visit to Spotlight in 2016, scientist turned artist Michael Hammer fell in love with some beautiful Japanese fabric and felt compelled to craft something with it — and so bought himself a sewing machine.
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“I bought some of it, and I ended up making a quilt,” Mr Hammer said. “Then I realised, ‘hey, wait a minute, quilting is maybe something I could do’.
“That was a bit over five years ago, four in retirement, and I have been quilting ever since.”
Now he’s exhibiting his work at the Kyabram Town Hall, alongside local quilting artist Sonya Else.
“During my childhood and adolescence my primary interest was in science and technology, not art,” Mr Hammer said.
“I had some appreciation of art but did not have the slightest desire to work in that field.
“Over time, my interest in technology dwindled and my interest in art grew.
“I came to realise that creativity and innovation is the same, irrespective of the field of application, be it science or art.
“Only the tools and the medium changes.”
Mr Hammer says he still has a lot to learn, and is fascinated by other artists’ work that shows him the possibilities of quilting.
“I feel I am still very much in an early learning phase but am improving and I am excited by the opportunity to explore the medium and see where it takes me,” he said.
Exhibition: Kyabram Town Hall is showing multiple art exhibitions.
