The Art of Quilting: A Modern Canvas for Storytelling
The art of quilting and embroidery, traditionally a handcraft passed down through generations, is gaining popularity among younger artists who use fabric, paint, and embellishments for storytelling and self-expression.
"When I'm sewing, there is no noise, it's just the simple act of doing something in present time."
— Kate Ceberano
Musician Turned Textile Artist
Musician Kate Ceberano creates embroidered quilts from her own paintings, spending up to a year on a single piece. She finds the process meditative. Ceberano's love of quilts is influenced by her Hawaiian and Filipino heritage, where fabric storytelling is culturally significant.
Ceberano is an Australian singer-songwriter, soon to be inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.
The New Wave of Quilters
Tricia Garrett runs quilting classes in Cairns. She says younger quilters are creating more avant-garde designs, incorporating painting and embellishments.
"A lot of the younger girls are making quilts a bit more avant-garde. They are quite spectacular."
— Tricia Garrett
A Medium for Mindfulness
Linda Steele from the Oz Quilt Network notes quilting has become popular as a form of self-expression and mindfulness, with no strict rules.
"There's no rules anymore and no quilt police. You can do what you want."
— Linda Steele
The Oz Quilt Network holds annual exhibitions displaying members' quilts, which travel to galleries across Australia.