You asked “June, why do you only use “quilting artist” for your self and not for the outside world? Just curious…”

“Artist” is the noun, and so the important “naming” part; “quilting” is the adjective that describes the technique I use. For me, and _only for me_, I’m not doing “quilt art” so much as I am using quilting techniques to make fine art. The terms are awkward, of course, but for my personal use, they clarify my intentions in my own mind. The terms would differ depending on what the artist intends, so in this case I specify myself as audience as well as artist.

For the outside world, I’m totally pragmatic — I use whatever terms I think people will respond to — and if I’m applying to a quilt show, I even have been known to call myself a “Quilter.” But only if I can’t find a work-around.

I specified myself as a “quilting artist” in my comment because I think clarifying for oneself what one is intending might be most important. Clarifying for the outside world is important only if it furthers the cause, whatever that may be.