Art on the town

I displayed my work downtown this weekend during spring Arts Walk.  Friday night was the big night with all the shops open late with special displays from local artists.  The streets were blocked off, music filled the air and the whole town was out and about.  Before the show began I was incredibly nervous.  I felt vulnerable having my work on display as well as sharing my experience of becoming a mother both visually and in writing.  A little Calms Forte beforehand helped!  It was a really wonderful night and so rewarding to share my work with my friends and supportive neighbors.  While it was exhausting getting everything organized, the experience was one that I will remember fondly.

For the friends and family that couldn’t come, here’s a  brief “virtual tour” of my display-

My artist’s statement for the show:

Most of the pieces on display were inspired by my experience of becoming a mother-the joys and challenges that come with such a life-altering event. The four largest quilts reflect my experience with postpartum depression after the birth of my daughter. It is a time that I’m choosing not to forget, a placemarker for my experience as a new mother.

Because of the intimate quality it gives my work, I choose to stitch, embroider, felt and appliqué by hand. I love the meditative quality of hand-stitching and the feeling of connection I have with other women while I am creating.