Sacred Space

When I first encountered beech trees in England, their magnificent silver grey trunks reminded me of the stone columns in Gothic cathedrals. For much of my life, whenever I felt a need for spiritual renewal, I have found it in forests, mountains, deserts, on rivers and beside the ocean.

This quilt expresses my experience of sacred space in the natural world. The archway opens into infinite light. Quakers call this "the inner light". I visualize it as an ocean of creative energy.

Quilt size: 17" high x 24 1/2" wide
Completed: 2008
Available

Magpies Ascending

34 " high x 31" wide

This quilt began with a watercolor painting of a magpie in flight that I made years ago. The quilt began to take shape while I was living in Yakima. Magpies are common in central Washington. I delighted in watching their bold behavior and the iridescent gleam of their feathers.

In Europe, magpies are birds of folklore: "One for sorrow, two for joy, three for a wedding and four for a boy." As a teenager I listened to Donovan's song: "The magpie is a most illustrious bird..."

This quilt was eventually completed in 2007. It reminds me of the progression from darkness to dawn.