Mapestries

Detail of "Nevada,"  Fabric, thread, fabric paint and pens, 42" x 66" by Jessie Homer French

After the QuiltCon show at the Pasadena Convention Center, Suzette drove us over to her place of business, The Armory Center for the Arts, just a few blocks away. 

I'd read about one of the exhibitions, "Mapestries" by Jessie Homer French, and I was anxious to see it. After experiencing the elaborate designs, bright colors and detailed stitching of all of those modern quilts at QuiltCon, "Mapestries" was a sea of tranquility in comparison. Click on each photo to make larger.

French's fabric art pieces are soft wall hanging maps of earthquake faults. She considers them safe art to place above your bed in case of temblors. Good idea in California!

I like any artwork that incorporates maps as part of the design. In addition to the fault lines, trees, plants and animals of the areas she depicts, French also includes landmarks including the Capitol Records Building in Hollywood, the windmills in Palm Springs and the downtown L.A. skyline. 

Close-Up of Washington and British Columbia Earthquake Faults

French's work has a folk-art feeling to it. It's sweet and little wonky. I found every piece to be charming. The show continues through May 15, 2016. Go see it! There's a very convenient city garage right near The Armory and lots of other places to visit in the immediate area.