Quilts and Health is a newly published book exploring the connection between textiles and health.
The authors are:
- Marsha MacDowell, professor of art at Michigan State University Museum
- Clare Luz assistant professor, Department of Family Medicine at Michigan State University
- Beth Donaldson, Digital Humanities Project Asset Coordinator at Michigan State University.
These three authors have written a scholarly book that is beautifully illustrated with hundreds of quilts as well as the stories behind them. Through their research they discovered that they could not name a disease that could not be connected to a quilt. Quilts are given as to comfort and memorialize those suffering from so many diseases. The AIDS Memorial quilt is an iconic example.
I am thrilled that my quilt: Radiant Light is included in this book.
My quilt appears in chapter three: Individual Experiences of Health and Well-being Through Quiltmaking. Radiant Light is the third in a series of chakra quilts. The first was made for my sister-in-law who was diagnosed with cancer. The second quilt was made as a commission for someone who had seen my first one and had survived this disease. I have since made a fourth quilt: The Vibrant Path.
Excited to see my name and Sandy’s name in the index!
Radiant Light is an original design. The background is pieced as are the leaves. The outline of the woman and the chakras are appliqued. The quilt was beautifully long-arm quilted by Sandy Lindal of Scrappy Gal Quilt Co.
Artist Statement submitted to the Sacred Threads Exhibition:
This quilt embodies the divine life force in women. Chakra centers correspond to seven centers of energy in the human body. These spiraling wheels of vibrational energy channel power into and out of the body. When this vital energy flows easily, we remain in physical, spiritual and emotional alignment. The portrayal of the chakras superimposed on a female figure honours this divine/vital/transformative power. This quilt is a reminder to us all to be nurturing of ourselves, to be present in the moment, and to be in tune with the creative life force within us.
Radiant Light was accepted and displayed at the Sacred Threads Exhibition 2013. It was purchased by a health professional and is currently on display in their offices. I can’t think of a better location for Radiant Light.
Congratulations the work you put into that was extraordinary. Lucky to the one that now has it. Denise
Thank you so much! Happy that Radiant Light found it’s new owner and is hanging where many people can see it.
Big congratulations to you, Doris!!!
Thank you Joan, so excited to see my work in print! Two years of waiting for the book to be published and so worth the wait. The authors have really researched this topic and have produced a great book.