Common Threads: Elizabeth Bleynat

     Through quilting and gestural drawing techniques executed in colorful embroidery floss, this body of work explores bodily changes from scarring to weight gain, femininity, familial relationships, and the accumulation... [ view full abstract ]

     Through quilting and gestural drawing techniques executed in colorful embroidery floss, this body of work explores bodily changes from scarring to weight gain, femininity, familial relationships, and the accumulation of stuff in the home.

     Many forms in these works are reminiscent of women's body parts, ruffled protrusions reference undergarments, and colorful stitching resembles suturing.  Each of these pieces addresses anxiety about being in possession of a body and about what marks the body.

     Quilting naturally brings to mind that which is feminine as it is traditionally women's work.  Patchwork quilting is recycling and family record keeping on a basic level, utilizing leftover fabric from other projects and worn-out/outgrown garments to create something that is functional and beautiful.  In keeping with quilting tradition, the fabric for this series is sourced from the scrap bags, basements, and linen closets of multiple generations of female family members.  This work serves to bring new life to sentimental items that have sat unused for long periods of time, that clutter up space rather than bringing joy to the family.