Improv Exotics
2021 Size: 43”h x 39”w
Artists: Cindi Cossen (with Nancy Bardach)
Collaborative design of a fabric collage, using random fabric scraps to form flowers. We worked together on the cutting and placement of the appliques on the naturalistic, flowing base fabric.
African Influence
2012 Size: approximately double bed. SOLD in Artists’ trade
Commissioned by an artist who chose many of these 'ethnic' fabrics from my 'stash', this piece is influenced by the metal sculptures of a Ghanaian metal assemblage artist, El Anatsui. Its dynamic play of light and shapes creates a bas-relief look, and its irregular edges evoke the roughness of el Anatsui's wall hangings. Design imagery references El Anatsui bottle cap wired pieces, as seen at the de Young and many other museums worldwide.
Still and Stiller
2023 Size: 80” high x 59” wide (not for sale)
Elegant ink line drawings of cats in a traditional (“Bow Tie”) quilt pattern, with the bow ties set erratically in the grid.
Collaboration with Cindi Cossen.
Shown in the Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts (Oct. 4-Nov.27, 2023) and at Voices in Cloth 2024, an EBHQ exhibition.
Tikkun Olam (Saving the Earth)
Varying the earth’s history and fate over time is an obligation for all of us. Sweeping rivers of dark blue stitchery and machine quilting texture intimate the flow of eons required. The title “Tikkun Olam” is a Hebrew saying counseling us to ‘save the world’ each in our own way.
This piece is a collaboration with Cindi Cossen, an old friend who became unable to sew. I extended several abandoned squares from Cindi’s studio, adding new imagery, colors and fabrics into a larger whole. Her earth-like spheres are surface-appliqued , recycled from another of her projects, inspiring the theme ideas and title.
Materials: Cottons, batting, texturing machine sewn threads, handwork by embroidery threads.
Shows: appeared in the Osher Marin County Jewish Community Center, San Rafael, CA, semi-solo show 2021.
Elbow Kiss
2020 Size: 44” x 44” Price: $3000
Elbow kissing (bumping) cants people a little sideways, wing-like arm waving in the air, an awkward but friendly gesture. In Covid-19 times, we each try to perfect our elbow kiss and our mask smile. This quilt incorporates an old-fashioned square by Anonymous. Source of historical square: Cindi Cossen’s workshop stash.
Ark of the Spirit
2022 Size: 72” high x 53” wide Price: $1250
Peaceful introspection and a light wind at the window curtain. Poetry, quotations, and flowers create the mood. Printed fabrics by artist Anne Germanacos with poetry quotations from members of her synagogue.
Social Distancing 2
2020 Size: 55”h x 41”w Price: $3000
Broken up into our private lives, boxed in, thrown a wrench, knocked sideways. Quarantine, lockdown, separation from our lives, our friends, ourselves. Can we express this tough situation in color, shapes, symbols? Mood: grim in places. Lockdown: not quite dire. Look at (the few) silver linings, as contributed by quilt artist Cindi Cossen.
Sunflowers from the Past
2020 Size: 28”h x 23”w
Painted petals from the past, from a popular “painting on fabric” workshop Cindi took in about 2010 from quilter Phil Beaver. She recently placed them on a sunlit, tie-dyed background she made. Assembled into a new, whole design they created a windy sunflower garden.
Artist: Cindi Cossen. Quilting and assembly by Nancy Bardach
Jia's Dragon
2019 12” x 12” Price: not available; private collection.
Jia’s Dragon is based on a fantasy dragon sketched by my granddaughter Jia.