Artist Statement
Betty White, born in 1922, has been in the television business since 1950. Beside her television work, Betty has been and animal activist and author.
She began her illustrious career in television at a local television station in Los Angeles where she co-launched her first series called “Life with Elizabeth” which she produced – becoming the first woman producer in Hollywood.
Through the years, Betty played diverse roles including Sue Ann Nivens on the Mary Tyler Moors show to Rose Nylund on Golden Girls. Outside of television, she published many books about her life and work and became an activist for animal rights, especially with the Los Angeles Zoo.
Betty has proven herself to be a trailblazing, productive woman all of her life. From being the first woman television producer to being an author, actress, animal lover, she continues to inspire those around her and to contribute to the work she loves so much.
In creating the quilt of Betty, I chose a black and white pallet to represent her early years in black and white television. A pen and ink sketch was done to portray Betty in her later years. The black background was created with a very faint listing of the shows that she has appeared in. Overall quilting was done in a fine white thread to give the piece texture and bring the sketch to life.
Woman’s Groundbreaking Accomplishment
Betty White was the first woman television producer. She is an actress, animal rights activist, author and beloved by many.
Techniques
In creating the quilt of Betty, I chose a black and white pallet to represent her early years in black and white television. A pen and ink sketch was done on white cotton portraying Betty in her later years. The black background was created with a very faint listing of the shows that she has appeared in. This was done with a medium grey thread in free motion stitching. Overall quilting was done on Betty in a fine white thread to give the piece texture and bring the sketch to life.
Materials
White and black cotton fabric, black permanent marker, 70 weight cotton thread.