About the Artist Troy Murrah

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Combining inherited family skills of quilting and carpentry, Los Angeles-based (Long Beach & South Bay) artist Troy Murrah uses thousands of wood fragments, cut from leftover remnants, to construct elaborate wall hangings (and recently, functional artworks) that replicate traditional quilt patterns. Take a closer look, and find hand-painted details and engravings—designed and illustrated by the artist using imagery influenced by his past.

Recent Press about Troy Murrah:

History

Troy holds a BFA in Studio Art from the University of Texas, Austin. He has 20+ years working in production and set design, building and designing recording studios, and saving up material (wood, metal, doors, window frames, etc.) leftover from these jobs along with discarded cabinetry and shelving left on the roadside.

When his mother (quilter, wearable art designer, and art educator Judy Murrah - read more below) passed in late 2017, he remembered her words, “You should incorporate quilt patterns into your art.” With this as inspiration, he created a new body of art in her memory for a solo art show BUILT QUILT: Wood Quilts & Engravings by Troy Murrah. This ended up being a great way to use up reclaimed material and bring new life to the old. Taking on a life of its own, Murrah’s wood mosaics continue to expand with new artistic additions including more functional pieces, created on an ongoing basis.

In Spring 2021, his book “Wood Mosaic Projects” was released with Fox Chapel Publishing. Currently, he's working on a video series "Wood Riddance" that takes viewers behind the scenes of his process. When he's not making art, he's making music with his two-piece band RESTAVRANT, or enjoying life with his wife and their three sons.

For your listening enjoyment, check out Troy’s musical project: RESTAVRANT!

Say “hello” to the artist: Troy Murrah

About the Built Quilt brand

Celebrating Quilt Patterns Beyond the Cloth…

Murrah’s body of work led to the launch of the Built Quilt brand, which spotlights traditional quilt patterns and quilt block favorites through its line of vibrant art prints, tealight holders, coaster sets, pins, journals, calendars, and other gifts. It’s a beautiful way to bring new life to past artistic traditions. The Built Quilt catalog offers a fresh, modern take on time-honored quilt patterns, reminiscent of the comforts of home. Built Quilt is currently run by Troy and his wife, Michelle.

Retailers: Find Built Quilt Wholesale on Tundra, Faire, & RangeMe! Also distributed by Checker Distributors.

For philanthropic donations, partnerships, & press: Michelle Lee Murrah

Visit the Built Quilt brand - here.

About the artist’s mother, Judy Murrah (1943 - 2017)

Judy was a lover of quilts and quiltmakers. As long-time VP of Education and Administration for Quilts, Inc. in Houston, TX, she built their education division into the equivalent of a collegiate curriculum.

She was a talented designer of remarkable textiles, patterns and clothing, and author of the books that taught how to make them––such as the Jacket Jazz series. A beloved quilting teacher... a collector of antique fabrics, trims, ribbons, and quilts... a pattern and fabric designer whose specialty was a soft, romantic palette... those talents came packaged into the beautiful woman who was Judy Olafson Murrah.