Malala Yousafzai

My work is an extension of my life, my feelings, my hopes, my dreams and my fears. I enjoy experimenting with hand painted, dyed and printed fabrics and enjoy the freedom that comes from creating. Art quilts are my canvas. I employ raw edge applique in my pieces to create the images that compel me to keep on working in this wonderful fiber medium.

When I hear the news of all the refugees fleeing war torn areas, particularly in the Middle East and on the African continent, my thoughts always turn to the children. There is a whole generation of children whose sense of security is threatened by outside influences and who have no access to schools because of the very problems that they are fleeing.

My mother’s education was cut short due to World War II. Schools were turned into infirmaries and the young preteens and teenagers were pressed into service as nursing help. I’ve heard my mother’s stories of her refugee trek fleeing the atrocities, and the lost opportunities due to a lack of education.

As I researched Malala’s story I was impressed with her desire for education for all, but particularly for girls. Malala’s story takes place during a time of oppression from the Taliban in Pakistan. Yes, it’s a different time and place, but the tyranny is the same.

I applaud Malala, the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, for her determined and outspoken appeal for worldwide access to education.

I applaud Malala, the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, for her determined and outspoken appeal for worldwide access to education.

cottons, inks, acrylic inks