Artist Statement
Grounded in traditional block-based patchwork techniques, I employ contemporary color palettes in quilts to interrogate nuances of Queer identity, pop culture, and quiltmaking itself, incorporating the continuum of purpose on which quilts exist, from utility to Art.
An iterative design process in silico paired with fabric and thread samples of commercially-sourced materials allows me to refine designs before their construction in situ, where my precise piecing technique honors unnamed quiltmakers of the past and computer-guided longarm quilting invites the future. This approach, and influences of hard-edge painting and Queer abstraction, are reflected in my quilt coat "It's Electric!". Vibrant geometric shapes and defined quilting elevate the garment, making one question whether the quilt's beauty or utility is most prominent, queering both what a quilt can be and how it looks.
My current works-in-progress integrate processing my gay identity and pop culture ideas of multiversal variants, as expressed through a modified traditional quilt block repeated across multiple quilts featuring the eight colors of the original Pride flag and a range of green values.
Artist Bio
Quilting is Ben Millett's creative outlet outside his work at an agriculture company in Des Moines, Iowa. Ben explores color and shape by applying contemporary color palettes to traditional quilt blocks, turning digital concepts into a physical reality with fabric and thread. He creates to play, to communicate ideas, to further the gay agenda, to make what he wants to see. His work has been exhibited around the world and is held in private collections.
Ben currently sews with an Elna 720Pro (previously with an Elnita EF1 and Singer 9960) and quilts with a Handi Quilter Moxie and Pro-Stitcher Lite. He is an ambassador for Pro-Stitcher and Aurifil.
He is not currently available for teaching.
Artist Resume
EXHIBITIONS (Group unless specified)
2024
In Conversation (curated by Tara Glastonbury), Carrefour Européen du Patchwork, Alsace, France. (I’m on the Byline, but…)
QuiltFest Greenville, Greenville, SC (juried show). (Lokean Variant 93 (Yellow), Warp Speed (Ribosome))
QuiltFest Mid-Atlantic, Greenville, SC (juried show). (Midsommar (Dani), Judge’s Choice, Wearable Art category; Midsommar (Christian))
2023
Solo Exhibition, Finding Pride: An Exhibition of Quilts, Simpson College Gallery of Art and Design, Indianola, IA. (show write-up)
Solo Exhibition, Savor the Rise, Indianola, IA
In Conversation, Sydney and Melbourne, Australia (curated by Tara Glastonbury). (I’m on the Byline, but…)
Good Business: An Iowa Pop Art Exhibition, CSPS Hall, Cedar Rapids, IA (curated by Niq Thomas). (Warp Speedier, Hanky Code)
QuiltFest Greenville, Greenville, SC (juried show). (Solid Steps, Best Use of Color, Innovative category; Melted Melamine, Best Use of Color, Mid-Century Mod/Modern category)
QuiltCon 2023, Atlanta Convention Center at AmericasMart, Atlanta, GA (juried show). (That’s a Peel Breaker)
2022
Solo Exhibition, Lokean Variants, The Slow Down Coffee Co., Des Moines, IA.
Pride, The Slow Down Coffee Co., Des Moines, IA. (Phosphorific)
Who We Are, Polk County Heritage Gallery, Des Moines, IA (curated by Marissa Hernandez). (Spinning Into Control, Solid Steps, Loud When Needed)
Midwest Modern, Iowa Quilt Museum, Winterset, IA (curated by Heather Kinion). (Phosphorific (Tri-Color))
QuiltCon 2022, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, AZ (juried show). (Phosphorific (Tri-Color), Solid Steps, Wild Geese That Fly)
2021
QuiltCon 2021, Virtual (juried show). (Phosphorific (Tri-Color), That’s a Peel Breaker!)
2020
QuiltCon 2020, Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX (juried show). (Overpass)
PRIVATE COMMISSIONS
2023
Flow Into Being, 83" × 93", cotton fabric and batting, Tucson, AZ
Not Everyone Wears a Rainbow, 36" × 36", cotton fabric and batting, Des Moines, IA
2022
HFCS Star Quilt (Pride; One Iowa), 68" × 68", cotton fabric and batting, Des Moines, IA
2021
2020
Protea, 18" × 32", cotton fabric and batting, Des Moines, IA
2019
Rainbow Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, 70" × 82", cotton fabric and batting, Cedar Rapids, IA
Bee's La Fin du Monde, 40" × 40", cotton fabric and batting, Portland, OR
Into the Woods, 42" × 42", cotton fabric and batting, Brooklyn, NY
RELATED EXPERIENCE
2024
Juror, Iowa Exhibited, Polk County Heritage Gallery
2023 -
Artisan, Aurifil
Ambassador, Handi Quilter and Pro-Stitcher (affiliate link)
2020 - 2022
Elna Maker, Elna International Corp
PODCASTS / INTERVIEWS / PUBLICATIONS
Pieces of Pride (pattern), Love Patchwork & Quilting, Issue 138 (June 2024)
Breaking the Blocks, Episode 3 (Feb 2024)
Not Your Granny’s Quilt Show, Episode 94 (Feb 2024)
Why We Quilt (article), Love Patchwork & Quilting, Issue 129 (October 2023)
The Maker Series: Ben Millett, Auribuzz (June 2023)
Spotlight: Ben Millett, Contemporary Quilter, Create Whimsy (May 2023)
Emerald City (pattern), Love Patchwork & Quilting, Issue 112 (June 2022)
Fort Worth Public Library Maker Showcase, Fiber Artist & Quilter (13 Nov 2021)
Quilt Buzz Podcast, Episode 16 (5 Nov 2020)
EDUCATION
PH. D. Plant Pathology. University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN
B. A. Biology. Truman State University, Kirksville, MO