Nancee Arigano is a fun, bubbly person full of energy. Within 10 minutes of first meeting her, I knew I had to try ‘primsical’ punchneedle, too! Nancee loves all needle arts but focuses on punch needle and a little rug hooking in her shop/studio. It’s called the Cooperage Punch Needle Design Studio and is located in the Farmhouse on the grounds of the Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts. Nancee is also one of the founding members of the Cedarburg Spur Fiber Arts Trail.
Nancee also hosts a ‘Lunch and Punch’ gathering at her studio on the second Saturday of every month. Start time is 10:00 a.m.. Call ahead so she’ll know how much salad to prepare! Lunch and Punch Info
Nancee’s description of her work:
It’s primitive, it’s whimsical, So I have come up with a new word that describes my work “PRIMSICAL”
When did you first become interested in fiber art?
When did you first become interested in fiber art?As long as I can remember. Learned to knit in Brownies and have never stopped. Went from sewing doll clothes to making all my clothes including dance costumes and formals for proms, etc. Between my career in nursing and interior design, I had a shop “Wool n Works” where I designed needlepoint canvases, learned to spin and weave. Now I’m punching!
What about the medium of fiber appeals to you?
I love the fibers and threads. How they look, how they feel in your hand, how they take the dye. I like natural materials.
What types of fiber do you work with most often?
What types of fiber do you work with most often?I still knit, do a little rug hooking, but primarily PUNCHNEEDLE, Designing patterns, selecting colors, punching up, finishing, photographing and putting the kits together.
What theme of ideas are recurring in your work?
It’s primitive, it’s whimsical, So I have come up with a new word that describes my work “PRIMSICAL”
What are your creative challenges?
TIME!
What tool could you not live without?
Bernadine’s #3 punch needle and my gripper frames.
WHat is your creative process?
I sketch first and refine for a few days then using a light table draw my design onto weavers cloth. Then the fun begins, picking the threads and punching.
What are some of the pleasures you get in your work?
Seeing a piece come out the way or better than I had visualized in my head and then having someone love it as much as I do is so rewarding. I have some the nicest buyers that you can imagine.
Does your location, physically or as an idea manifest itself in your work?
Yes, I do a lot of cows …
What are some of the pleasures you get in your work?
Very relaxing to punch. Teaching others to punch and letting them realize what looks complicated is really very easy.
What are some of the big ideas that influence your work?
The WISCONSIN MUSEUM OF QUILTS AND FIBER ARTS, DOWNTOWN HISTORIC CEDARBURG, MY OWN HOME THE COOPERAGE (a former barrel factory built in 1860) A LOG CABIN ON MY PROPERTY. My tow OLD ENGLISH SHEEP DOGS.
How do you view the artists of today?
Very experimental, taking to the next level.
Which fiber artist do you admire the most?
Locally, there are so many, but I think Robin Fleming stands out.
What is your work motto?
What is your work motto?Keep on punchin’!
Where do you sell your work?
- Cedarburg Cultural Center, Wisconsin Museum of Quilts & Fiber Arts Gift Shop
- Cooperage Studio at the Farmhouse Gallery in the farmhouse at WMQFA
- County Folk Art Show in September in St. Charles, IL at the Kane County Fairgrounds.
Contact Nancee