Artist Statement: In pursuing this project, I was inspired by the various fabric costumes and prayer rugs used around the world for different rituals. Sanyan is an African word for such a cloth. My piece could possibly be seen as an embellished prayer rug or, in Africa, there might be a large oval cut into the center, so that it could be worn over one's head, as a decorative shoulder cloth. As the individual petals took shape, they reminded me of the lotus flower, a spiritual symbol in the east, as well as feathers representing the Phoenix Rising and spiritual transformation. To acknowledge various cultures around the world and their rituals, I used fabrics from China, Indonesia, Italy, France, Japan, India, Africa, the United States, Mexico and South America.

Materials & Techniques: Fused cottons and silks, cotton batting and sequins; machine quilted.

Dimensions: 24" wide x 20" high