On view: March 2-6, March 16 & 17, 2026
Reception: Thursday, March 5, 2026, 4:30-5:30 P.M.
I am incredibly inspired by quiltmakers and crafters. Traditional Appalachian quilting
patterns have inspired my own patterns, but primarily I am interested in the act of taking
something used or discarded and treating it with care. My obsession began with a quilt that
had been my grandmother’s, yellowed with age and use and tucked away in some corner of
my mother’s attic. I used this quilt for a few years and saw as it began to be totally worn away
in many places, and I wanted to create something lovely for this collection of cloth that had
served my family over several generations. In all of my work I hope if anything that care is
evident.
Artist Statement:
I’ve been saying that I’m not trying to recreate my hoarder grandma’s house, but the more
works I make the more that feels a bit like the concept of the exhibit. I want to fill a lot of the
space, I had an idea of ‘carpeting’ the ground using a bunch of the squares of upholstery
samples I was given and including this old medicine cabinet I have filled with dried flowers.
I’ve made a couple large quilts, so I want to include a (smaller) wall of those. I also want to
include a wall of my other canvas/cloth pieces that use natural dyes and molds. I will treat
and seal everything that has mold before bringing it into the gallery. I still want some of that
musty smell to be present in the exhibit. This comes in large part from the old wines I use
and depending on how they are sealed may just be what the canvases smell like? I think the
overall goal is to make it feel homey, but just a little off or decayed. I want to use the larger
wall for a sculptural cloth and lace piece. I have been experimenting with using woven or
heavier metal frames for this, so the material here will definitely dictate the install, but
neither should be too heavy. About 80% of the work will be completed in ART 401 and the
remaining 20% will take place in the time between the end of the semester and my exhibit,
which may include works completed in my independent study with Katie, which will be
placing a larger focus on materials and may include more paper works.
Learn more about Courtney’s Art Process:
Studio Visit:
Artist Talk:
Virtual Tour: