Bess and George

"Bess and George" made for the exhibit "The Space Between" - Inspired by my friendship with Leslie Tucker Jenison. Many miles may separate us, since we live in different states, but the things we have in common, our rituals, teaching, curating and mutual admiration for one another brings us closer together.  The piece is 3 feet wide and 4 feet high.  It sports over 300 buttons that were hand sewn on.

Materials:  Wool blended felt, Hoffman batiks, commercial cottons, buttons, snaps, metal washers

Techniques:  Mistyfused fabrics, free-motion machine quilted, painting with acrylic paints, inks, buttons hand sewn and made with "Rebel" way

We are each holding a cup and saucer - and you might be wondering why?  We send each other alot of e-mail regarding curating, teaching, writing, getting advice on our work, but the e-mail that comes in the inbox that is marked "Coffee Break" is something special.  I sit down with my favorite beverage and just read and enjoy.  Kinda like the space between all of the other stuff, is just our friendship.

This is the third portrait quilt of us that I have made and "Red" always has a vine on her face

and I always have a swirl on mine.  The Space Between exhibit will debut at the International Quilt Festival in Long Beach at the end of July.  The exhibit features the work of 40 artists who have interpreted the theme in their own personal style.  More information about the exhibit is on the Dinner at Eight Artists blog.