When we’re born, we start out as blank slates, like clean, untouched pieces of fabric. Hardships in life will give us tears, wrinkles, stains, you name it, but there will always be people, places, and things that help to patch up these rough spots on your proverbial piece of fabric.
These moments of good will, kindness, and love permanently affect us, and the patches they leave help to protect us as we continue to progress through our lives. This project revolves around this idea and will incorporate people, places, and things in my life that have deeply touched and “patched” me personally.
My work in the past few years has revolved around identity and the search for my own, and this show is a manifestation of meaningful parts of my past that have made me who I am today.
In the gallery, I’ve created a space reminiscent of a living room or sitting room. I grew up visiting my grandparents’ Victorian-Era home on the Mississippi River, which was full of beautiful wooden furniture, warm textiles, and numerous tchotchkes and trinkets scattered about. Thinking about that space invokes a sense of peace and nostalgia for me.
original mockups
Original Quilt Prototype/Mockup
TV Area Mockup & Interaction Between Pieces
The show grew over time to include not only a 9x6.5’ patchwork “quilt”, but an illustrated gallery wall and video composition as well.
Additional funding provided by the Spotlight Grant
The University of Iowa School of Art & Art History offers Spotlight grants to support innovation in the creation of visual art. The goals of the Spotlight Program are the artistic development of individual students and the enhancement of students’ portfolios. The work completed will be exhibited in the annual Spotlight Exhibition. Ten awards, of up to $600, will be granted annually. Allowable expenditures from the award include, but are not limited to, art supplies, modeling and framing.
The Spotlight Program is made possible by a generous gift from Donna Friedman Curry.
Credits & Thank-Yous
Artwork, Design, Imagery, & Magic — Paige Harken
Music, “Patchwork” — composed by Sean Harken
Helping Hands for Many Things — MJ & Dean Harken
Lending me ALL the vintage things! — Grandpa & Grandma Harken
Gallery Show Advisor — Jeremy Swanston
Good Vibes, ALWAYS — Isabel Kent & my wonderful Graphic Design peers
A Fantastic (& Fun!) Undergraduate Education — The University of Iowa, School of Art & Art History
