The Needle’s Pierce
Maura H. Harrison
When I work on creating art quilts, I am focused on discovering that moment of wonder as explored through color and texture. While textiles are the base of all of the projects, I occasionally throw in other common objects such as buttons and zippers (see Muse) as well as more unusual items such as cigar wrappers, playing cards, and the disks from spent fireworks (see Bloodstream). I use both the sewing machine and hand-stitching to achieve the completed works. For these quilts, pieces of fabric are fused to a base layer to which I then add free-motion stitching, then hand embroidery. While most of my art quilts are visually abstract, my titles usually point to some concept that invites contemplation.
High Speed. Fabric, thread, floss, and iron-on sparkles. 18” w x 19.5” h.
Muse. Fabric, zippers, buttons, and thread, floss. 11.25” w x 14.25” h.
Cloister, Cottage, Castle. Fabric, thread, and floss. 10”w x 10”h.
Thirst in the Wellspring. Fabric, thread, and floss. 13”w x 13”h.
Bloodstream. Hand-painted fabric, fabric, floss, and firework discs. 16”w x 20”h.
Maura H. Harrison is a writer and artist from Fredericksburg, VA.
