Artists Statement:
Inspired by Albert Lynch’s 1903 engraving of Joan of Arc, this quilt is meticulously crafted using the foundation paper piecing technique. A restrained palette of 20 carefully chosen colors and an intricate composition of 1,453 fabric pieces bring this homage to life. My goal was to reinterpret Joan’s timeless complexity through a contemporary lens, employing a clean, modern fabric aesthetic and minimalistic quilting to accentuate the interplay of light.
The piece explores a duality of illumination: the ethereal “halo” of belief emanating from behind her, and the resolute "Sword of Light," a beacon of justice and truth, radiating from the front. The reflective shimmer of her armor harmonizes these two sources, while her expression—a striking blend of calm resolve and unyielding fortitude—commands attention.
The backing and binding further enrich the narrative. The quilt’s reverse features stained-glass fabric, a subtle nod to classical influences, while the binding boldly displays the phrase “Nevertheless, she persisted,” a contemporary echo of resilience and empowerment.
This work is dedicated to the women who tirelessly strive for equality and justice in every facet of life. Joan of Arc stands as a luminous reminder of the strength and transformative power women bring to the world—a symbol of courage, conviction, and change.
(Image and artwork sources for this pattern are found within the Public Domain.)
