Piqued Curiosity, an exhibit juried from SAQA Juried Artists by Mary Kay Fosnacht
I am pleased that my quilt, Fallen, was one of 24 quilts chosen recently by curator Mary Kay Fosnacht for the Juried Artist Showcase titled Piqued Curiosity. whole cloth monoprint with raw edge reverse applique.
When I made it in 2006, I wrote this: When I inserted the heap of broken branches in the lower corner of Fallen, I wanted to make a simple visual statement that would be emphasized by the vertical color streaks and the yellow-gold diagonal in the monoprint. The word “fallen” implies more than branches down from trees; it also suggests lives ended. Like a gardener piling up fallen branches, I am trying arrange my thoughts so I can deal with them.
In 2025, nothing has changed, we have war all around us.
Read the juror’s comments below.
The cotton sateen after monoprinting with thickened dye, before reverse applique and quilting.
Fallen, 51″ x 65″
Piqued Curiosity, Juror Comments
by Mary Kay Fosnacht
Scrolling through the thumbnails of art by SAQA’s Juried Artist Members is, at first, a daunting task. A blur of colors, textures and forms – each demanding a decision to pass or pause.
Then, a moment of curiosity, a casual hover to see if the title provides insight followed by an urgent visual pull and a desire to know more.
Clicking through to the detail provides a rewarding surprise. The piece is larger than anticipated, or a different orientation, or has interesting details or an unexpected story. For some pieces, the artist statement provides answers to the original questions. With others, there is only a visual and we must provide our own imagination, interpretation and emotional response.
This exhibit contains many expressive forms, from abstract, to nature, to the human form. Each drew me in to discover why, how or for whom it was made. Whether you are drawn to technique, narrative, line or color, I invite you to let your curiosity be piqued and enjoy the details!