Deep Thoughts on Kawandi

I started writing an artist statement this week, with the goal of entering my Big Kawandi into art exhibits. After the positive response garnered at QuiltCon, I am curious to see how it is received by the fine arts community. Typically, when I’m making art I find flow and just work. I don’t set out to share a larger message – when I do that my pieces fall flat. I’m not that kind of artist – I want to make pretty things and play and see what happens. Most of my artist statements are creative writing (bullshit) meant to impress exhibit curators. Here is what I wrote, which clearly went off the rails as far as an artist statement goes. Since I was not under a deadline, my writing turned into deep thoughts on Kawandi.

This Kawandi style quilting piece is the perfect metaphor for the world with COVID. I made using scraps from quilts I created prior to COVID. The technique is the exact opposite of all of my previous quilting adventures. It is made completely by hand. During the pandemic I needed a way to soothe myself, and hand quilting is an excellent form of mindfulness. It gives me time to hear my thoughts and work through them, while also making something beautiful. I picked up the pieces of my old life and made something beautiful and new to rejoice in. 

Traditional patchwork quilts involve sewing together individual pieces into one top with a pre-planned layout, attaching them to a backing and batting, then completing with a finished edge. With this quilt I began with a complete back and batting, then built the top onto the base, finishing the edge as my first step. Pieces are added as needed, with little to no preconceived notion of what the finished piece would look like. 

Each stitch represents a moment in time to me, and as I look at the piece I can remember what was happening while I was working on it. It brings back memories of quiet time with my family, time spent enjoying the view from my backyard, and even some of the disjointed, frightening travel we undertook while the pandemic continued to surge. It reminds me of dark nights lying next to my quietly snoring husband, with my little dog snuggled into the curve of my back, my unfinished Kawandi keeping us all warm. 

This quilt has brought me so much comfort as I watched the world change around me. It is also leading me forward into the next chapter of my life. When other quilters see it, they become excited and want to learn more. I am now teaching live classes online and in-person, to a much wider audience than I had before COVID. 

It is amazing to me that the moment I heard this technique described has led me on such an adventure, and it isn’t over yet. It’s also really lovely to be able to draw a line from such a life-changing moment. I have more words to share, but I think this is enough for today. 

I do plan to use this piece as the basis for an artist statement. Severe editing will be happening, then I’ll be entering Big Kawandi into more shows, both quilt shows and art exhibits. 

I’ll be writing about my experience at QuiltCon soon – I had a great time, but I spent the majority of it working in a friend’s booth. I didn’t take classes this year. I just enjoyed being there, meeting with colleagues, and enjoying the Big Quilter Energy that was everywhere. 

Interested in learning more? I offer somewhat regular virtual and in-person classes at Gotham Quilts. I try to make sure there is always something on the schedule, but sometimes planning life is a challenge.