Artist Statement: The flow and pattern of Desert Women’s spines aside from being prickly, provide protection and camouflage, assisting in water conservation. Cactus adds to stunning deserts, breathtaking landscapes, and remarkable diversity. Spectacular flowers in late spring, which are pollinated by bats and bees, heralding the arrival of summer. Their spines condense moisture, provide some shade, lowering the temperature, also reducing water loss making it easier to face the challenges of nature with harmony and balance.

Materials & Techniques: My photo altered and mirrored, printed at Spoonflower, Whole cloth, free motion machine quilted, hand stitched the thorns with hand dyed variegated threads # 8 pearle cotton.

Dimensions: 35 x 42 x 1

Photographer: Susan Smith