Mandy Gerth (Philadelphia, PA)
Remnant Study, 2008
Cotton, found lace, polyester quilt batting, and thread on cotton rag paper
11×8 ½ in.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandma. As a life long maker of quilts and clothing she was ecstatic to have a little girl to make special things for [after having 5 sons and 2 grandsons]. I never felt put upon by lace trimmings and pink ruffles, but found in these things the love my grandmother had for me. I would make up stories to go along with her scraps of fabric. She showed me the beautiful details to be found everywhere around us, she was in love with all things ornamental and decorative.
“I went to college and studied art history with a special interest in the decorative arts. Although I was an accomplished sewer I never considered myself artistic until I took a few art classes… I had the good fortune to study ceramics at Southern Illinois University and received my Masters Degree in 2005. Since that time I have dedicated my daily practice of making artwork to looking at the details of daily life and making small works, both functional and decorative, which are meant to fill cupboards and closets and reside on walls in homes. My work is inspired by the details of daily life; these details inspire me and drive me daily to make new works to enrich the lives of others.”