The Ethereal Work of Valerie Goodwin

In November I got to see a trunk show of Valerie Goodwin’s work up close and personal. And I love it!

Pieces were laid across a table for us to inspect, but that made it tricky to take photos. I think you’ll enjoy them anyway.

This piece was my favorite. As is typical with much of Valerie’s work, she has depicted a map here, maybe of a real place, or maybe of an imagined one. She seldom uses batting, so the pieces are lightweight and somewhat fragile and delicate looking.

Now, check out some of the details from this piece. This is the top left corner. Can you see the cheesecloth and hand stitching?

In this example, also top left, there’s a layer of organza over part of the cheesecloth and surrounding area. Note how she’s added paint, as well.

This detail shot is from the right side, near the top. Can you see all the textures, sheers, and various techniques?

Here’s another map piece with different colors representing various parts of the city/area.

Take a look at these white streets. White fabric was cut with a laser cutter to get tiny, accurate shapes. Fusible was used to attach it, but Valerie also reinforces these little pieces by hand stitching/couching them on.

Look at this. Can you see Valerie’s hand as she shows us that holes are cut all the way through this piece? This is pretty common in her pieces.

Another area of the same quilt. The black squarish building shapes are also holes. The quilt was lying on a black tablecloth, so it’s actually showing through.

Valerie has done extensive experimenting in order to figure out how to use a variety of woven and non-woven fabrics with the laser fabric cutter. I think it gives a lovely lacy effect. Especially when some of the layers are transparent.

Lovely, exciting stuff! See much more on Valerie’s website at https://www.valeriegoodwinart.com/ or her upcoming events here.

Ellen Lindner