Tricia Coulson & Clare Degerness

Our lives have changed dramatically from our grandparent's era, with careers, family and indulgent self-interests. As a result, our world has become more dependent on technology, requiring us to perform specialized tasks that disassociates us from a sense of total accomplishment. The process of creating and working with my hands provide me with a unity of hand and spirit, counteracting this alienation, reaffirming the human element in our daily life.

My own personal variation of textiles comes through patterning, piecing, and embellishment. The repetitious elements produce a rhythm that is a continual source of pleasure. This pleasure is derived from the physical motion of printing and the visual sensation of the repeated image. Clare Degerness - I approach quilt making from both a construction background and a life long interest in art. Both aspects of my quilt art are important - original, creative and precise construction. Although I began quilt making with traditional patterns and techniques, my own creativity has stretched to include original designs, non - traditional fabrics, and construction techniques never taught in Home Economics. My work on liturgical projects is especially satisfying as I integrate my art with symbols of my faith. My work goes beyond my own space into public places where, hopefully it educates and inspires.