Glaciers melt, seas rise, waters warm and chaos ensues. While the absurd debate over climate change persists, consequential damage is hidden beneath the dazzling aquamarine currents, the cresting waves, and the steadfast tides.

Giant kelp forests, harboring complex and balanced ecosystems, struggle to resist the destruction. Their demise triggers a cascade of turmoil, unseen from above.

60”h x 44”w

Acceptance into a tribe, a community, or clan might yield security and balance, empathy, kinship, and treasured sanctuary. Both subtle or glaring, unique traits and idiosyncrasies can challenge the compatibility of the group, but also serve to strengthen and enrich the whole. To be welcomed into a family—to truly belong—is a most cherished gift.

Materials
Used tea bags, hand painted scrap papers and fabric, salvaged silk scarves, vintage linens, cotton, felted wool, upholstery remnants, zippers, measuring tapes, pearl cotton, embroidery floss

Techniques
Hand and machine appliquéd, quilted, hand embroidered, embellished, printed

Size 50 in x 30 in x 1 in

2018

Upcycle! (SAQA Global Exhibition)

From the 5th grade playground, through high school corridors, and on into adulthood, cliques and clans persist and some mean girls never grow up. Social exclusion arises from differing economic classes, religious and political affiliations, ethnicity, and, absurdly, even from quirky personality traits.

When opposing values collide and beliefs do not align, respect and civility can unite a group, which is strengthened by diversity and is rich in unique perspectives.

Materials
Fabric, paper, used tea bags, zippers, measuring tape, embroidery thread, upholstery fabric

Techniques
Appliquéd, quilted, dyed, painted

Size 46 in x 28 in x 0 in

2018

Opposites Attract (SAQA Global Exhibition)