Creating Love from Despair
2021
In this second year of the pandemic, extreme natural disasters, and extremer divisive politics, how does one not succumb to anger and despair?
Recently, while feeling disheartened, I came upon the Dalai Lama’s album, Inner World. In the last song ‘Humanity’ he gently speaks about violence and killings due to human emphasis on “we and they, me and them.” Instead he advised compassion and connection to our fellow brothers and sisters, irrespective of differing beliefs.
Hearing his soothing words lifted my spirits and I began this project with one small red heart and proceeded improvisedly. Love is tolerance and respect. Love is comfort and refuge. Love is color-blind and inclusive. Love is kindness and hope. Love is the answer.
35.5” x 30”
Found fabric, recycled clothing, found beads, felt, sashiko thread, machine thread, batting; Machine-pieced, hand-quilted, hand-beaded and satin-stitched hanging hearts
11.29.2021 — Accepted into SAQA Regional Exhibition The Artist’s Question...Answered in Fiber. Premieres at Florida CraftArt Gallery in St. Petersburg (April 25 - May 14, 2022).
Private collection, Florida