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 four other venues, plus others to be announced. Juried by Chunghie Lee, curated by Rose Rushbrooke. Significant air time on Houston Channel 2 Television News, November 4, 2010: http://www.click2houston.com/video/25638601/index.html.

Bad Appears in SAQA Traveling Show

Salli McQuaid's portrait Bad, a tribute to Michael Jackson, will travel with 50 quilts chosen for the important Studio Art Quilt Associates 2010-11 exhibition titled Creative Force. The quilts were chosen by juror Chunghie Lee from almost 400 entries. In great part due to the selfless work of Quilt Artist and Expert Sandra Sider, a $25,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant will underwrite the costs of this landmark exhibition. See their website www.SAQA.com for more information. The quilts will appear at 17 venues, including galleries and art museums.