For me, “wild thing” signifies all that is fun, adventurous, strong, and gloriously feminine in women.  When thinking about every woman, I wanted to do an artwork about breast cancer, since it has in some way touched most of our lives. I wanted the quilt to reflect the intrinsic strength and special qualities of all women, and especially the women who fight this disease.

By connecting with the “wild thing” in me as depicted in Pink Strength, it might help uplift the spirits of those touched by, or dealing with, this dreadful disease. I worked on this quilt during the final days of my friend Theresa Brinley (1964-2008), who was ending her ten-year, bravely fought, battle with cancer. Creating the quilt, which was upbeat and celebrated her many qualities, was certainly cathartic.

Quilt history: Selected for 6^th biennial Focus on Fibre Arts Association, Small Quilts category. Shown at Donalds Art Gallery, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, and traveled to Stony Brook, Ontario, Canada, 2008. Cash appreciation award. Chosen by esteemed Juror Jacqueline M. Atkins for the Studio Art Quilt Associates 2011-12 special traveling exhibition, "A Sense of Adventure." The exhibition will travel to International Quilt Festivals throughout the USA, as well as other venues (full-color catalog).

Dedicated to the memory of Theresa Brinley (1964-2008), my friend and Jazzercise instructor.