The power of incremental achievment

While I did not have much time in my studio in April and May, I did finish the large leaf study below. I really like the energy and color play in this composition. It makes me smile. The power of incremental achievement is real. Yay, for small victories!

“Lively Leaf” 2018/2022 47.5” w by 48.5” h”

commercial cottons, cotton batting, machine quilted

© Pamela Loewen

Earlier in my career, when my kids were little (twin boys and a daughter only 3 years apart in age), I wouldn’t even try to work in my studio space unless I had at least 2 or 3 hours of uninterrupted time. As you can imagine, that didn’t happen very often in the early years. I was not working consistently. The progress of projects was painfully slow. What was I thinking?

Let’s be honest. When you are working creatively, it takes time to get into a creative head space. It isn’t like flipping on a light switch as soon as you walk into your studio. At least it isn’t for me. But an all or nothing approach was not working for me.

“Lively Leaf” detail A

So I adopted a new strategy. Even if I had only 15 to 30 minutes, I would run up to my studio and try to get something done. In quilt making there are many tasks that do not require a high degree of creative decision making, such as sinking knots, tidying fabric, some sewing tasks and even some kinds of machine quilting. Not only did this increase my productivity, it gave me greater continuity in my creative workflow. And more often than not, when I thought I could only get half an hour in my studio, I was able to work much longer.

It is amazing how our own minds can limit us. How is your thinking limiting you?

“Lively Leaf” detail B

The Promise of Easter: We will go to him

While working on my blood series, a family tragedy occurred. My younger brother and his wife were expecting their fourth child. I was particularly excited because I was going to be in the States for this birth. I had been in New Zealand for the births of their first three children. Just a few weeks before the due date, the placenta detached and their baby boy died in the womb. Absolutely heart breaking.

My sister-in-law was induced and she gave birth to a beautiful blond headed boy who looked just like his older brother. Close family gathered at the hospital. We cradled Joshua Charles in our arms. We kissed his head. We wept with his parents. Later we held a funeral and almost 200 people gathered to mourn the loss of this precious life.

In my early quilting days I made several baby quilts. My brother asked if I would make Joshua a quilt. I said of course.

The small white cross represents Joshua Charles in the arms of Jesus, the large red figure. The ground is the colors of heaven— gold and jewel tones. I don’t usually use metallic thread in my machine quilting, but for this composition it seemed appropriate.

“Our Hope in the Resurrected Christ: We will go to him.” 2006, 28” w by 29.5” h

commercial fabrics, cotton batting, machine quilted cotton and metallic threads

© Pamela Loewen

Private Collection

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11: 25-26

“Our Hope” detail

© Pamela Loewen

"Stained Earth" -- Blood 4/4

Continuing to explore the motif of blood in Scripture I came across this verse “Earth itself will point out the bloodstains; it will show where the murdered have been hidden away.” Isaiah 26:21b The Message. History shows that the 20th century was most violent yet: two world wars, Stalin in Russia, Mao in China, the Kumar Rouge in Cambodia, the Armenian genocide, Rwanda’s genocide, Hitler’s death camps. Will this century be any better? Atrocities continue— genocides, human trafficking and actual slavery in more places than we as a society care to recognize. As long as the powerful elites refuse to recognize the humanity and worth of each individual these crimes against humanity will continue.

There is something in the human soul that longs for justice. The imagery of the earth itself keeping record of these atrocities is powerful. The thought that one day these stains will be revealed and the guilty will be held accountable is compelling.

“Stained Earth” Isaiah 26:21b. 2007/2009 27” w by 60” h

© Pamela Loewen

commercial fabrics, cotton batting, machine quilted

The red figures in this work represent slain bodies; the ground is colors of the earth—grass, dirt, stone.

“Stained Earth”. detail

© Pamela Loewen

The red stitching represents violence and blood shed.

“Stained Earth”. detail back

© Pamela Loewen

"Washed" -- Blood 3/4

The next concept I explored in this series was the idea that blood washes away sin. This imagery is counterintuitive. How can blood wash away anything?

In the Old Testament, God appointed priests to offer animal sacrifices for the sins of individuals and the community. In the New Testament Jesus is described as “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

The red figures in the composition below represent the cross. The background depicts the cleansing of sin as it turns from black to white. The red quilting lines were inspired by rain glazed on a window pane. Rain washing the earth parallels the idea of blood washing away sin.

“Washed” Psalm 51:7b. 2006, 32.5” w by 46.5” h

© Pamela Loewen

commercial cottons, cotton batting, machine quilted

“Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalm 51:7b NIV

“Washed” detail

© Pamela Loewen

“Washed” back detail

© Pamela Loewen

"By His Stripes" – Blood 2/4

One of the most vivid and hard to watch scenes in Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion of the Christ,” was the scourging of Jesus. The movie came out in 2004, and I made this quilt in 2006. When I thought of blood as a motif in Scripture, this very graphic scene came to mind.

At this point I was living in New Zealand and still working in commercial fabrics. I was also just beginning to work exclusively in solid fabrics. For non-quilters, most quilt shops sell fabrics with prints or designs. Solid colors typically are hard to find. I spent a lot of time shopping in many stores to find solid colors to represent the colors of humanity. My choices were rather limited.

“By His Stripes” Isaiah 53:5 2006, 31” w by 27” h

© Pamela Loewen

commercial fabrics, cotton batting, machine quilted

Expressing the violence of the flogging, I cut into the pieced top over and over again. The red lines and jagged quilting depict the scourging of Christ. Underneath these wounds are the colors of humanity.

“By His Stripes” 2006 detail

© Pamela Loewen

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5.

“By His Stripes” 2006 detail back

© Pamela Loewen

What is this blood business all about? 1/4

When I was living in New Zealand a very talented quilter, Roz Waterworth, passed away. She had machine quilted several bed quilts for me. Another quilter, Leslie Aspin and I attended her funeral at the Catholic Church where Roz had worshiped. The sanctuary was filled with all kinds of beautiful work Roz had made: christening clothes, quilts, liturgical banners and other things. Communion was offered during the mass.

Afterward Leslie asked me “What is this blood business all about? I don’t get it.” As someone who grew up in church, I paused to think how strange “drinking the wine which represented the blood of Christ” would be for someone who had no experience with church. In the moment I replied “The Bible teaches that ‘without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sin’ (Hebrews 9:22).”

Leslie’s question stayed with me. Why blood? I thought about my aunt who faints at the sight of blood. How hard it is to get blood stains out of clothing. Blood is the essence of life, but it can also be repulsive. So I studied all of the verses throughout the Bible that mentioned blood. As we prepare to enter the season of Lent I thought I would share this small series of work exploring the motif of blood in Scripture.

“Covered” Psalm 32:1 2006, 30.25” w by 32”`h

© Pamela Loewen

commercial cottons, cotton batting, machine pieced and hand quilted by artist

The first in this series is “Covered” inspired by Psalm 32:1 “Blessed is the one who transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.” In this piece you will see quilting designs inspired by the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. In the largest red square three crosses are quilted. In other areas you will find thorns. The quilted squares within squares represents gifts —the gift of eternal life. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The blood of Christ covers our sin.

“Covered” detail

“Covered” detail, back

© Pamela Loewen

Red Coral

Here is another older piece that I recently machine quilted. I love the colors and line work in this piece.

When my husband and I first began dating it was obvious that he loved the beach. So I warned him that I hated the beach. He laughed. I tried to convince him. I’m a redhead. I burn easy. I hate sand. I don’t like salt water. I’m afraid of swimming with fish. Truly, I hate the beach.

Where did my husband take me for our honeymoon? The Island of Greater Exuma, Bahamas. This little island literally had one road. The only thing to do was go to the beach or visit the Shark Lady. We did both. (My husband loved the Lonely Planet guide books. Back in the day, the Shark Lady was a highly recommended activity. Truth was, there were not many activities to choose from.) It honestly took several years for my husband to believe that I did indeed hate the beach.

Then we moved to New Zealand.

“Red Coral” 2008/2021 , 47” W x 32.5” H © Pamela Loewen

commercial cottons, 100% wool batting, machine pieced and quilted

Our home in Brown’s Bay looked out over the Hauraki Gulf. The water was constantly changing—the colors, the motion, the mood. I watched the racing boats training for the America’s Cup, sailing classes all bobbing up and down in their little boats, cruise ships and freighters on their way to the Auckland Harbor. I loved looking out over the water.

Taking young kids to the beach was wonderful. There was so much for them to discover and explore. We never knew what we would find — shells, creatures, pretty stones and sea glass. Once we found an octopus sunning some of its tentacles on a rock shelf in a tidal pool. I have such cherished memories of my family playing in the waves and sand. I began to understand my husband’s love for the beach.

There is something special about the space where land and water meet. Breathing salty air is refreshing. The rhythmic sound of waves are soothing. I have made my peace with sand. My most patient husband now has a wife who loves the beach too.

“Red Coral” 2008/2021 detail © Pamela Loewen

“Red Coral” 2008/2021 detail 2 © Pamela Loewen

Developing Machine Quilting Muscle Memory & Increasing Speed

In 2014 I created several small studies featuring plant-like forms. I have finally started quilting them. Why the seven year gap? Honestly, because I would rather start a new composition than machine quilt. However, as I realized that I was never going to be happy with anyone else quilting my work, I realized I needed to develop a strategy to get more machine quilting done.

“Botanical Portrait #4” 2014/2021, 29.5” w x 29” h

hand dyed cottons, wool batting, machine quilted

One of the reasons I put off machine quilting, is that I felt it took too much time. It was not uncommon for me to not machine quilt for over a year or more — (longest gap 4 years). When you have long gaps between doing any activity, it does take time to warm up or even relearn it again. So my first strategy is to quilt more often. Luckily I have many finished compositions that are patiently waiting to be completed. My new goal is to machine quilt a little each week.

“Botanical Portrait #4” detail

Another strategy I implemented is to have a machine dedicated to machine quilting. It is always set up and ready to go! No need to change feet or play with settings. Just choose my thread, thread the machine and start quilting! I also have plenty of thread on hand.

“Botanical Portrait #5” 20014/2021, 28.5” w x 32.5” h

hand dyed cotton, wool batting, machine quilted

My last strategy is to time myself. In the past as I looked at large areas that needed quilting I would sigh thinking “this will take forever.” Now I size it up and challenge myself to get a certain amount done in a tv episode! (Yes, I have a tv on while I work. I need something to make myself look up every now and then or I get a sore neck. On big pieces I put on “Lord of the Rings” the extended version! My hairdresser in New Zealand had friends in her horse club who were Riders of Rohan.)

“Botanical Portrait #5” detail

As I have implemented these strategies I have developed more muscle memory and have increased my speed in machine quilting. So like any other skill, you can learn to increase your speed and mastery by putting in the repetition and time. Fancy that!

Travel and Art

When I first met the man who would became my husband, I told him that I wanted to marry someone who would take me around the world. Thirty years later we are still traveling! And these trips continue to inspire my artwork.

Stickwork by Patrick Dougherty on the Biltmore Estate

As New Orleans experiences the ravages of yet another hurricane, I remember our visit there where I fell in love with the ancient Live Oaks. Their enormous sprawling limbs are breathtaking. I am working on a composition right now inspired by these majestic trees.

The scale of these trees are enormous! I love how the branches look like rolling waves.

Another trip was to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. Beginning in 1888 George Vanderbilt II slowly bought up 125,000 acres of spent farmland in North Carolina. In addition to building a beautiful country estate, Vanderbuilt worked with one of the leading landscape designers of the day, Frederick Law Olmsted. Together they reforested this land, planting over a million trees during a ten year period. Through this effort the science of forestry was born. Later Edith Vanderbilt sold 86,700 acres of the estate’s forested mountain land to the federal government creating one of the first national forests, Pisgah National Forest.

Biltmore grounds

Driving through the estate, I marveled at the beauty of the forest. There was so much variety in the trees. It is hard to express how truly special it was. I also enjoyed the many trees in the grounds around the mansion and formal gardens.

Ironwood, NC State Championship Tree on the Biltmore grounds

Sycamore on the Biltmore grounds

For the past year I have been working in a new series, Trees. Why trees? They are silent sentinels witnessing history over years, decades and even centuries. Exposed to all of the elements, trees endure. Weathered trunks and twisting limbs create resilient living sculptures. It makes me think of a verse from the books of Psalms, “He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields it fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.” (Psalm 1:3)

In these changing times, I want to be like a tree.

The beauty of hand stitching

While most of my works are machine quilted, I also love to hand quilt. When I first started quilt making all of my works were hand quilted. However, once my twins were born, I realized I needed to learn how to machine quilt. Hand quilting was just too time consuming. So for over a decade I only machine quilted. But as my children grew older, I began hand quilting a few select pieces again. There is something so soothing about a needle and thread rhythmically gliding through the layers of cloth and batting, creating a texture on a once smooth surface. Here is my latest finished hand quilted work. This composition was pieced in 2008, but I did not quilt it until recently.

“Field & Forest #2” 2008/2021, 28.5” w x 25” h

commercial cottons, cotton batting, machine pieced and hand quilted

If you look closely you will see many different colors in the quilting. When I lived in New Zealand a small shop decided to stop selling quilting thread and sold their remaining stock for a song. I bought one of every color!

“Field & Forest” 2008/2021 detail A

“Field & Forest” 2008/2021 detail B

And for additional inspiration for my fellow needle workers, I would like to share with you a piece by Marie Watt, a Native American who currently has a show, “Each/Other”, with Cannupa Hanska Luger at the Denver Art Museum. This piece was approximately 20 feet long. I found the beauty of the hand stitching on such a large scale breathtaking.

Marie Watt

“Companion Species (Canopy)” 2016

Reclaimed wool blankets, thread and embroidery floss

Loan from the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, Indianapolis, Indiana

Marie Watt “Companion Species (Canopy) detail A

Marie Watt “Companion Species (Canopy) detail B

Marie Watt “Companion Species (Canopy) detail C

“Each/Other” at the Denver Art Museum has several pieces that are textiles or include textiles. I highly recommend it. And in closing I will share a quote from the exhibition. As our world becomes increasingly divided, I think it is vital that we remember how we are all connected.