Patchwork 2022
The Patchwork collection is inspired by an emotional journey and reclaiming the artistic expression of my grandmothers. I am grateful for their impact on me as an artist and a granddaughter. I hold them in my heart everyday to help guide me. As I walk through life, I break things down to make them better. This stained glass collection is a glimpse into that process.
Patchwork. Patch – work. Patchwork is composed of many elements to create a work of art. The need to take things apart and put them back together in a more beautiful way. Such as cutting apart an old wardrobe and piecing it into quilt that will serve you better. Respecting, nurturing, revitalizing. Like breaking a sheet of glass to put it back together—to illuminate and express. Or like separating the parts of your mind: stalking the wolf—shining a light on the critic in your mind—to cultivate inner peace.
Patchwork is big element of quilting. Quilting makes a lot of us think of the elder women in our lives. Creativity and creating was engrained in my grandmothers’ personalities. I believe they were inspired to create to express love, to preserve memories, and to keep their families warm. My Grandma Letha Faye made beautiful, intricate, perfect, quilts for family and church. My Nana Mary Nell also made quilts using family members clothing such as denim, button down shirts, suit ties, and handkerchiefs. I was lucky to grow up with these two women artists. They taught me how to think creatively and how to express love through art.