Artist Statement
The Structures series investigates the boundaries we use to divide our world. The work explores physical structures such as fences and stone walls. Lines of posts, negative space created between odd shaped stones, uniform rows of bricks are all of interest. The quilts also allude to the internal psychological boundaries we use to hide our true thoughts and feelings from others, and often from ourselves.
Look for one or more 'E' shapes unifying the separate works within the collection. The motif, originally based on a photograph of fence, is more recognizable in some work than in others as the size, shape and composition evolves over time. Color is of primary importance and is combined, intuitively, in unexpected ways, employing a unique palette of cotton fabrics I hand dye.
It can take weeks or months to make a single quilt, as the individual elements in the composition are freehand cut, one at a time, without a pattern. They are then placed onto a flannel-covered studio wall, where I work improvisationally, planning as I construct. The design continues to mature as the pieces are manipulated so they can be sewn together. Extensive machine stitching adds rich texture to the work by echoing the shapes underneath or by creating a complimentary secondary pattern on the surface.