When visiting Santa Fe, NM, I met a lovely young woman who was wearing a full set of “Zuni Sun” jewelry, from earrings to necklace to bracelets to belt. I was overwhelmed at their beauty. When she found out I was in town to show my art quilts in Chama, she suggested that I do a Zuni Sun, so I did.

Zuni Sun became an expression of sunlight in the pueblos. It contains many Native American symbols, such as the two Hopi bear claws, which are symbols of power.  It is my profound hope that I did the Zuni Sun icon justice. After piecing and embroidering just one such sun, I believe that the artistry and care taken to create an entire set of this beautiful jewelry is exceptional.

Quilt history: Selected for Jumping Outside the Border, SAQA.com  December 2009 virtual exhibition, curated by Mary McBride.