The Art of Dean and Linda Moran

Dean and Linda Moran took an interest in a new hobby and turned it into a new passion. Linda wanted to marble fabric for quilts. After doing research, Dean created the tools they needed. With their first piece, they knew they had a vision for a new art form using traditional marbling designs. Over time and many hours of practice, they created a personal art form using traditional marbling designs, as well as contemporary variations to enhance their creative spirits.

Fascinated by the whims and mysteries of nature, their art incorporates dimensional form as they continue to explore the marriage of marbling and fabric. All of their commissioned pieces have celebrated the magic of the Earth. One unique piece represents a wave cresting the shore, drawing the viewer into a vortex of energy.

Starting with basic white cotton, Dean and Linda soon developed a "no fabric is safe from marbling" attitude. Using silk, satin, corduroy, denim, velveteen and whatever else may cross their paths, they have broadened their artistic horizons. The fabric may dictate a theme; other times the magic of the marbling will dictate the focus of the finished piece.

Dean and Linda have expanded their work into a number of series. “Gaia” celebrates the abstract of Earth, using a weaving design. “Nature” takes a specific look at the little wonders around us, like a quiet pond or an unexpected rock garden. “Mandalas” pay tribute to the dynamic energy of the universe.

Each marbling session is a new experience, exploring the infinite designs and colors possible, both in the art form and in our world. Current work involves embellishment and thread painting/quilting. The work evolves with our experience and excitement.

Professional Publications:

• Create-a-Quilt by Dr. Joyce Mori, 1999
• Pricing Guidelines for Arts and Crafts, Sylvia Landman, 2000
• "Making Connections" in Sew News, September 2001
• The Quilting Quarterly, "The Art of Marbling," National Quilting Association, summer 2002
• Quilting Through the Seasons: Spring. Lois Fletcher, author, Spring 2005
• Quilting Arts, Spring 2004 - closeup of the blue silk used by Larkin Van Horn in her Bernina garment.
• "If You Bring It, They Will Sign," Quilter's Newsletter Magazine, Winter 2004, about Linda's wedding quilt for her neice.
• Bernine fashion Show Catalogs, 2002, 2003; Larkin Van Horn and Nancy Schlegel, designers.

Framed Artwork residing in the following collections:

• Alison L. Hupp, CPA, Tucson, Arizona
• The Thompson Law Group, Tucson, Arizona
• The Nicholson Law Firm, Tucson, Arizona
• Academic Services, Inc., Tucson, Arizona
• Alexander Chandler and Long Realty, Tucson, Arizona
• Saltwater Systems, Sedona, Arizona
• R. G. Sons Plumbing, Tucson, Arizona
• Scott Whipple, Boston, Massachusetts

Galleries/Exhibitions

• Textures Gallery and Studio, Scottsdale, AZ, Fall, 2003
• “My World in Black and White,” online exhibition, 2003-2004
• “My World in Black and White,” Ontario Museum of Art and History, CA, 2003 - 2004
• Schullenberger Gallery, Jericho, VT. Artists’ Showcase, December 2003
• Leandro Fabrics and Gallery, Tucson, AZ, May 2004, September 2004
• Expressions in Textiles, juried show, New Haven, CT, August 2004
• Fabric of Legacies, juried show, Fort Collins, CO, July 2004
• Fish Follies, juried show, Cordova, AK, August-November 2004
• Art of the Sixth Extinction, WomenKraft Gallery, Tucson, AZ. Winter 2005