Trefethen’s fascination with value results in her using value changes to create subtlety, sharp edges, shadow, dappled light and luminosity. Value is the first consideration when Trefethen starts her artwork. Through careful selection of fabric and thread she is able to bring emphasis to areas of an artwork while allowing other areas to recede.

Value is as integral to Trefethen’s work as mastering the technical aspects of sewing. She finds that understanding the unique challenges fabric brings to value is an ongoing learning process. Trefethen favors commercial fabrics, which may include multi values of the same hue or many hues. These can be challenging, like being a pointillist laying down many colored dots to achieve a single color.

Observation and experimentation have been the focus of Trefethen’s education. She continues to study art and the world around her to learn what makes an image “sing”.  She also brings this experience to her role as a teacher of fiber art.  To succeed in this role she found it necessary to break down all aspects of her medium from sewing skills to principles of design.  She has also found that helping her students has helped her hone her own skills.

Trefethen’s work is exhibited internationally. Examples of her work can be found in multiple publications and on the web.  In 2010 her work was featured on the title page of 500 Art Quilts (Lark 2010). Trefethen lectures, teaches and creates work on commission. To learn more about Trefethen or view additional work by her, visit www.gwynedtrefethen.com.