Artist’s Statement

This portrait –“Bad” -- is intended as a tribute to Michael Jackson, “king of pop” and consummate musical artist and dancer. The quilt was technically extremely difficult to do. A nine-unit star block is used throughout the quilt, except in the facial area. There, the abstract unit of the block was used for better effect – i.e. shading the face. That abstract block used in more obvious areas of the quilt alludes to his famous “moon walk.” I printed the border from the CD cover of the album “Bad” on fabric to compose the pictorial area resembling film strips on the bands.

I believe Michael Jackson would like this portrait, as it depicts in his face the performance confidence, strength, and power of this sensitive and gifted artist, a musical genius whom I believe was unjustly maligned during his illustrious career.

Quilt history: Published in SAQA Portfolio 17, 2010. Accepted to SAQA "Creative Force" traveling exhibition. International Quilt Festivals - Houston, Chicago, Long Beach, 2010-11 and other venues to be announced.