Aaron Cobbett: Obsession
2021 Artist-in-Residence at the Missoula Public Library
Aaron Cobbett working on a textile piece at the Missoula Public Library
How was your experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence? Connecting with the other residents, the Open AIR staff and the Missoula community It was great for my head. Exploring all the resources available through the residency, especially Home Resource and the Studios at UM allowed me to expand and move my process forward. It was an intense time of healing and growth for me.
Carl X, 2019. Quilt, repurposed denim, steel studs,chains, 74" x 55"
What was your research process during this time?
I visited Home Resource regularly for inspiration and explored the local landscape and culture.
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
I’m very excited to be working in the dance world with choreographers like Karole Armitage and Christopher Williams and I’m currently preparing for a 4 week residency at The Studios of Key West.
How would you describe your work?
My core process is quilting, with traditional and non traditional forms and materials.
Aaron Cobbett next to one of his quilts
What keeps you returning to this subject, body of work?
Obsession, plain and simple.
Walk us through the choices you make in a single piece.
I collect fabrics. Scraps, hand me downs, things I pick up in the Garment District of NYC. I keep lists of ideas and mentally combine them with my stash of materials. The thought process involved in starting a new project is the hardest part of my work and can take days or even weeks. Once I’ve started a piece I have plenty of time to make decisions as I go along. I’m usually working on multiple projects. If I get stuck on one, I pick up something else. Sometimes a solution will just randomly pop into my head once I’ve stopped thinking about it, I love it when that happens, it's like being visited by the muse.