Stitched Dissent debuts on Friday

Four years ago I plunged into the political maelstrom that is our country more than I have ever done before. Reading reports of politicians lying, watching as closeted racists and white supremacists showed up in prime time, and seeing international relations disintegrate into name calling and resentment, my worries grow large. I’m an independent voter concerned with the environment, education and the welfare of all people across the globe. I vote for people who focus on peace, protecting the environment and who have empathy for those who have great challenges. No surprise, then, that my artwork reflects this focus.

I’m including a short slideshow here of the pieces that are included in the show. If you are in the Memphis area January 17-February 12 I hope you have an opportunity to see the show in person. I’ll even meet you over there to talk about this work if you want me to. We all need to start talking more.

I quilt to piece, layer and stitch a narrative that represents my concern for what is going on in our country. My art reflects American anxiety in a world of danger and distrust. It mirrors the ominous overtones of decisions disconnected from everyday life and a feeling that we are helpless in the wake of unmoored leadership.

I believe that cornerstone American values can emerge through the power of individual voices during the 2020 election cycle. The body of work in Stitched Dissent adds to the fundamental conversations going on in our media, our families, and our government.

Go to the show for your free sticker.

View fullsize

Taking stock

I spent today stitching a new piece that has yet to be revealed here. It tracks with other pieces that focus on one line traveling across a surface of mystery. The work satisfies my need to be present and not distracted. It allows me to be playful and calm. It tracks my mood and challenges my sense of balance. Here’s a detail:

View fullsize

And, while I have been stitching, I have been thinking about other pieces I have finished in the past year. They range from narrative to expressive, 2-dimensional to 3-dimensional, abstract to figurative. I have cut up pieces and stitched them back together. In some pieces I have scurried over random textures in a frenzy of stitch. In other pieces I have calmly and sedately thought about balance and composition with an analytical focus.

View fullsize

Overseer, 45” x 54”, Paula Kovarik. Repurposed quilt pieces over-stitched and re-assembled.

View fullsize

You Don’t Know Me, work in progress, 3-dimensional assemblage, Paula Kovarik

In 2021, I will have a solo show that will hang at the Visions Art Museum in San Diego, California. I think the pieces I include should have a common thread —an integrated collection that speaks to my current work as an artist.

The question I keep asking myself is: “which self?”