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My work utilizes textiles, handmade paper and collage to create one-of-a-kind quilts, quilt panels, books and boxes. The theme of many of my pieces is human anatomy; this is evident in the use of images from anatomy books, both current and antique, as well as other anatomical references. Anatomy is something that I have explored for some time, for drawing the human anatomy has always been a part from my academic study, as for many artists. These works far transcend the traditional study of anatomy by artists, however, as I use non 'fine-art' materials and impose my own unique vision upon them.
I draw upon many art historical, craft and non-craft, references in this work. Max Ernst, for example, one of the foremost exponents of 20th century collage, also turned to anatomical manuals for some of his surrealist images. The surrealists in general have been a strong influence in my work, particularly their juxtaposition of fragments of objects in a bizarre magical and dreamlike way.
Another strong influence that can be seen in my works is that of traditional quilt makers. Certain works represent a take upon the 'crazy quilt', which combines odd shaped pieces of fabric in a randomly haphazard arrangement in which the seams are decorated with fancy stitches. The art of self-taught or visionary artists is also a strong influence to me, and this work has a strong primitive element to it. All of the textile pieces are hand sewn, and these stitches are an integral part of each artwork.
While this work can be seen as 'craft' in its utilization of textiles and the quilt form, it can also be seen as breaking the craft/fine art barrier. None of this work is functional in the way that many craft objects are; the quilts can not be used as a bedspread or for warmth. Many of these works are displayed in hand made boxes; these boxes then become the 'functional' part of the artwork.
