Quilt Patterns
“Quilt Patterns” is an ongoing series of low relief paintings that are translations of patterned fabrics from crazy quilts that my grandmother and great-great grandmother made. The quilt is composed of various shapes and sizes of fabric scraps that my great-great grandma collected from her family over many years; she sewed them into large squares and then years later my grandma made the squares into multiple quilts. The patterns on the quilts repeat, to create these pieces I select specific patterns and trace all the shapes of the fabric pieces they are on. Next, I create an organic grid-like structure with mâché clay on a panel from these shapes by connecting them at the corners. This produces an undulating surface that is painted with matte paint and the fabric patterns are
drawn onto. The matte surface of the painting, along with the continuous pattern, causes the relief of the piece to emerge and dissipate depending on the angle it is viewed from.
Many moments have been spent with this fabric through my grandmother, her grandmother, other family members and now me; through painting elements of these quilts I am able to continue to spread the charm, warmth, and comfort of the quirky patterns I grew up with while spending time with the memories associated with them.
Quilt Pattern: Red and White
Vinyl paint, pastel pencil, eyeliner pencil and paper mache clay stained wood, 19 x 25 in, 2024.
Quilt Pattern: White Dots
Vinyl paint, colored pencil, oil pastel and paper mache clay on wood, 16 x 20 in, 2023.
Quilt Pattern: Stars and Dots
Vinyl paint, colored pencil, nail polish and paper mache clay on wood, 16 x 20 in, 2023.
Quilt Pattern: Berries
Vinyl paint, nail polish, and crayon on stained wood, 10 x 25 in, 2023.
Quilt Pattern: Cherry Red
Vinyl paint and Mr Sketch scented marker on clay board, 8 x 10 in, 2023.
Quilt Pattern: Orange Blossoms
Vinyl paint, yarn, and Mr Sketch scented marker on clay board, 18 x 24 in, 2024.
