After the 9/11 tragedies of 2001, many artists depicted the towers or the Pentagon with poignant and heartfelt imagery. But, I don’t remember seeing any about Flight 93 plowing into a field in Pennsylvania. I began to wonder what that field would look like one year later? Would there be a big scar in the earth? Would the vegetation have grown back? These thoughts were the impetus for my quilt, A Field in Pennsylvania, One Year Later.
I put a black border around it to indicated mourning. But, I allowed one flower to reach past the border, thinking that perhaps one year later the nation would be beginning to heal.
Nestled among the vegetation I included a remnant of police tape.
AFTER stitching it to the quilt, I burnt the edges. I protected the rest of the quilt with aluminum foil and had a spray bottle of water at the ready. Risky stuff!
I don’t normally make quilts with any sort of social or news commentary, but with such a monumental event I found that ideas kept coming to my mind. The quilt WANTED to be made. However, I’m an optimist, so I wanted to focus on future healing, rather than dwelling on the initial tragedy.
I’m proud of this quilt. In part because it was a technical stretch for me at the time, but more for the narrative aspect of it. Isn’t it great that we can use our art to tell a story?
Ellen Lindner
The police yellow-chard edge tape pushed your message through…well done!
Constance, Orlando
Thanks so much, Constance.
I seldom make art with any sort of social commentary, but this one sort of HAD to be made.
Thanks, Constance!
Wonderful job!
Thanks, Lynn!
Ellen, I don‘t think I have seen this piece before…it is moving, very moving. I think forcing social commentary in art often lacks heart, yours is full of it. Like you said “this quilt wanted to be made.” Thanks for listening to the muse and stretching (enjoyed the description of burning the police tape) to make this piece which depicts pain and hope. You dug deep and produced a memorial to the event as well as a reminder of healing. Thanks.
Oh, Cindy, I’m so glad the message came through so clearly. Thanks for your thoughtful comments!
A very thought provoking piece….thank you for sharing!
Thanks, Mary!
Thank you for this meaningful reminder, Ellen. I’m praying for the surviving friends and family today because of your lovely piece.
That’s a huge compliment, Kara. Thank you!
Ellen Lindner, your quilt beautifully captures the spirit of healing and hope post-9/11. The touch of mourning in the black border contrasts with the resilient flower, symbolizing a nation’s renewal. The police tape remnant adds a layer of remembrance. Your artistic choices make this quilt a moving tribute to optimism rising from tragedy. Thank you for sharing this impactful narrative of strength and recovery through your
Hi Thomas, thanks for your kind words. As you suggested, I wanted this quilt to imply hope and healing one year after the 9/11 tragedy.