In 2022, in anticipation of the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade (and following the Texas Heartbeat Law, September 2021), I began a quilt series, “Women’s Work.”  This series of “commentary quilts” seeks to make a subversive statement about the status of women in the U.S. and the attack on their bodily, human rights. Inspired by the work of artists such as Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer and Glenn Ligon, I’ve collected compelling texts and phrases that have inspired me from protest signs at marches for women, abortion rights, and social justice since 2017. This series of commentary quilts contrasts harsh text and ideas about abortion and women’s rights with stereotypically soft, feminine pink/pastel quilt tops that are embellished with overtly lacy repurposed vintage doilies rescued from cast-off bins and estate sales. To date, I have made 14 wall art-quilts. The response to these pieces has been overwhelmingly positive.  I have no end to  a long list of ideas and phrases as inspiration for more in the series.  Stay tuned for more to come.

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It all started with first one below one below, “Less than a fully adult human” that features the memorable quote by Ruth Bader Ginsburg from her Senate confirmation for the Supreme Court.

Payback is a bitch
America, where a uterus
Hysterical Women2
Fallopians

More recent ones are spicier.

But most reflect what I believe to be basic truths.

Abortion is health care
Bans off
It shouldn't have to happen
Being oppressed

MOST IMPORTANTLY – VOTE!

Roe, Roe, Roe
12.6 My Grandma Woody's linen napkin
12.4 doilie close ups