I would like to introduce the beginning of my newest body of work inspired by Amish quilts. Though craft is often a symbol of feminine duty and domesticity, my process subverts craft into artifacts of adventure and exploration. For my current body of work, I go back to my hometown in Northern Indiana several times a year to work with my Amish quilting teacher, Saloma Slabaugh, and others in her community of Amish quilters. She is part of an old order Amish group who intentionally separate themselves from mainstream United States population, speak low German, and embrace every kind of do-it-yourself projects imagineable.
Above: The front of my first completed quilt filled with shapes of baskets, an Amish buggy, cardinal in the pine tree, a pickled egg, a blueberry, tea cup, and much more.
Above: A watercolor with loose ideas for that quilt.
My teacher, a master quilter named Saloma, helping me to sandwich the pieced layers of my quilt together in preparation for quilting.
Above: Woodblock print of me staying overnight at Saloma's house.
Above: Back of my quilt mixing shibori dye with a classic geometric Amish pattern.
Above: Headed to class on a beautiful late summer morning.
Above: A woodblock print of having lunch with Saloma and her family.
Above: There are always lots of snacks during quilting - homemade bread, cookies, honey from Saloma's bees, and maple syrup from her trees.
Above: A watercolor trying out ideas for my next quilt.
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