Reader’s Art 12: Jamie Weaver
Jamie Weaver
West Virginia in Quilts recalls my childhood memories of growing up in rural Appalachia. My family has long been involved with folk arts and crafts. I was encouraged to explore these creative outlets both at home and in school. Looking back, I realize that much emphasis was placed on West Virginia as a center for Appalachian crafts and tourism. And larger issues affecting the state, like mountaintop removal and rampant meth use. Were swept under the rug. When I was in school, we weren’t taught how to be socially, financially, and environmentally loyal to our state – we were told that to be successful adults, we’d probably have to move out of state. So, with West Virginia in Quilts, I wanted to use a traditional Appalachian craft, quilting, to bring awareness to more serious issues affecting West Virginia.
I chose an accordion fold structure so that the book unfolds and spreads out like a quilt. The title of the book works on a couple of levels: It is a glimpse of West Virginia through beautiful quilt patterns. It is also a state in quilts or covered from view. Since the truth rarely remains hidden, I let the ugliness underneath peek through the quilts on the surface; when the quilt unfolds, the whole story is revealed. The front and back are covered with handmade paper that reminds me of quilt batting.
Reader’s Art 12: Longing for Home
March 16- April 26, 2012
Susan Hensel Gallery
The focus of Susan Hensel Gallery is on compelling objects, meaningful use of materials, and also engaging sculpture. It is a gallery where experimental ideas and works of the hand join to create unique sensory experiences. Opened September 10th, 2004 Susan Hensel Gallery is a gallery and also a workspace presenting 5-6 shows per year in an intimate space. With hardwood floors and high tin ceilings.
In 2013 the interior space reverted to a working studio for Susan Hensel where she continues to work on small and largescale artwork that engages both sculptural and also cultural space. You can find her current work at www.SusanHenselProjects.com. The Susan Hensel Gallery is now a large window gallery on Cedar Avenue. The main thoroughfare in south Minneapolis, and also an online venture represented on Artsy.net.