Found Fabric Quilt

This project stems from the descriptions of an ideal art space, experience, and approach of Jenn Kempf. Much of her description was centered on duality: quiet and loud, hidden and in plain sight, be loud and simply exist, feel shocked yet safe. However, she repeatedly returned to the theme of creating where you live. This is seen in the quotes, “tight and lived in,” “display where it is created,” and “to live what I’ve lived.” In order to capture this thought and blend it with my own art practice, I created a patchwork blanket with goal of gifting it to Jen.

This blanket was created with found fabrics, yarn, and other textiles that have been gathered by me in the past, as well as any supplies obtained with the specific purpose of this project. I looked for completed blankets, old bed sheets, and fabric that has texture. The colors should be random, yet unified in their construction, and the hodge-podge of materials will add an eclectic feel that simulates her ideal artistic experience. She emphasizes that this experience is oftentimes messy to a passerby, but in her eye, makes perfect sense. There is a level of organizational chaos that I intend to design this blanket with.

This quilt is perfectly suited to fit within Jenn’s creative space. Gifting this piece allows me to explore my own goal of creating functional art. It should be used and cherished without the need for museum-like display. I also find value in the idea of creating a shared experience by passing on a work that is filled with my touch and craft.