works in progress
maui relief quilt
2024, Recycled Clothing, Fabric, Photo Prints, Artist Squares, 28 x 25 ft
Through the medium of quilting, I have sought to create a visual narrative about Maui with its beauties and battles. My connection to this land is deeply rooted in the profound personal experiences I’ve had there throughout the last forty years.
I have extended invitations to fellow artists to join this project, aiming to infuse positivity into Maui in the aftermath of the recent fires. The textile techniques used and collaborative efforts of artists mirror the island's ecosystems, flourishing through unity and resilience in the wake of adversity.
The quilt illustrates the interplay of chaos and organization in life, art, and nature. One side embodies chaos, utilizing old clothing to serve as a powerful representation of the transformation of scraps, waste, and discarded materials into a thing of beauty. The other side embodies connectivity and thoughtfulness, and when put together, the quilt in its entirety reveals the tension between disorder and structure.
One side of this piece leans towards a more traditional styled quilt which adorns various squares done by numerous different artists to form a harmonious, cohesive design. Individuals, including myself, will be invited to create their own personalized quilt blocks, each representing our unique perspectives and experiences in regards to Maui as a way of showing support to the community. These blocks symbolize unity, strength, and beauty as we come together. This side to the quilt emphasizes connection and order through imagery and symbolism.
Integrating symbols and imagery of Maui is vital to this quilt's essence. Personally, I hold a deep connection to the island, and these symbols mirror its enduring presence in my life, as well as the profound inspiration it has provided me. Also added to this quilt will be the photographs I have taken over the last forty years of my time spent on this island. This is meant to showcase the island's environmental beauty, symbolizing both its enduring enchantments and the importance of preserving its environment.
The reverse side of the quilt portrays the shift from harmony to chaos. This side will feature a lively collage of various old clothing pieces, showcasing life's unpredictability through a mix of colors, textures, and patterns. It will incorporate details like frayed edges, mismatched buttons, and asymmetrical arrangements to evoke disorder. By repurposing what some might see as waste and scraps, we symbolically demonstrate their potential for restoration and healing.
bone china
2024, China Plates, Water-Ink Printed Photo
