The results are striking.
While in graduate school for art education, she created a small quilt with a landscape design.
And from a logistical standpoint, quilting was appealing.
“I Am Not Your Negro,” 2019 (quilted and appliquéd cotton, wool and chiffon | 50″ x 72″ x 1″)
I could manipulate fiber and fabric while sitting next to my small children.
Butler expresses them by starting with a detailed line drawing that becomes her pattern.
Then begins her work with fabric.
“The Equestrian,” 2019 (quilted and appliquéd cotton, wool and chiffon | 43″ x 68″ x 1″)
My machine is on a 12-foot-long frame and allows me to effectively draw with the threads.
I use stitches to show texture like the kinks and curls of African American hair.
It is important to learn our traditions or they will be lost to history, she says.
“Broom Jumpers,” 2019 (quilted and appliquéd cotton, wool and chiffon | 58″ x 98″)
I am making something with my own two hands just like my forbearers.
“Broom Jumpers” (detail)
“Dear Mama,” 2019 (quilted and appliquéd cotton, wool and chiffon | 53″ x 73″ 1″)
“Dear Mama” (detail)
“Kindred,” 2019 (quilted and appliquéd cotton, wool and chiffon | 60″ x 84″ x 1″)
“Kindred” (detail)
“Three Kings,” 2018 (quilted and appliquéd cotton, wool and chiffon, 95″ x 72″)
“Three Kings” (detail)
“Three Kings” (detail)
“To God And Truth” (detail, in progress), 2019 (cotton, silk chiffon, satin, silk and lace | 144″ x 108″ x 1″)
“To God And Truth” (detail, in progress)
