The snapshots I capture during my walks and travels have become the inspiration for a series that explores the use of fiber and stitch to share the natural world that surrounds me. It is a means to give a voice to my thoughts, express my concern for the environment and illustrate the love I have for this place, I call home.
The prairies, known for its vast open spaces, offers stunning views of the skyline. By creating these images with single use plastics, the notion of how pervasive it has become, is realised. Plastic is literally everywhere, quietly invading the beauty that surrounds us. Our water, our bodies and our beautiful skies.
The geometric stitching that fills the skies with movement is included as a way to honor the skilled craftswomen who pieced and sewed together bits of fabric to keep their loved ones warm, by creating quilts. The designs or patterns are based on traditional patchwork quilt blocks, chosen to add meaning and to acknowledge those that passed their skills on to me.
In an effort to reduce the amount of materials that will be used to view this series as it travels throughout the region, I have chosen to utilize technology. Each of the ten pieces in my series is assigned a QR code. This code will accompany the artwork. Once scanned, it will lead you to more information and inspiration in respect to this series.
The series is currently touring with the North Dakota Art Gallery Association through January 2026. Click here to see the list of dates and times included in this tour. Clicking on the name of the artwork below will take you to that page.
- Peaceful Hours
- Springs Work
- Winter Blues
- My Blue Heaven
- Solitary
- Serenity
- Seasons End
- Harvesting the Wind
- Hopes and Wishes
- Ominous Beauty
I have come to believe that every person and thing on this planet is interconnected and caring for our environment is a neccessary part of living. After spending my life mindlessly using and tossing whatever crosses my path, now, I choose to be thoughtful and respectful of the world that surrounds me. Do I really need it? Don’t I have enough? Is there something at home already that will suffice? Can I give it to someone else that can use it? I haven’t been on this journey very long and I have lots of room to learn and grow. For me, trying to leave the world a better place for my kids and grandkids is something worth striving for.
If you are interested in discovering and learning more about plastic pollution, check out the links here and here and here. To find out how to take action, check here and here.
Find out more about Debbie Kauffman here.
The quit blocks referenced in my work are taken from the Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns compiled by Barbara Blackman. (1993 edition) You can find more information about her, here.
Each piece in the new series, Polymer Skies measures 20 3/4 x 14 1/4 inches, framed, in a black painted wooden frame (no glass).