Gallery Visio: Wednesday, 23 January 2013

January 23-February 27, 2013 Opening Reception January 23, 5-8pm

Gallery Visio is excited to be hosting the opening of Odyssey, a pictorial narrative that depicts various times and emotions throughout Rachel Heim’s life.

Rachel was initially inspired by her grandmother that taught her the process of quilting. As an artist, Rachel now builds upon this childhood memory, exploring past and current experiences, and emotions. In her first solo exhibit, each quilt is a specific response to these elements, and her portrayal of balance and acceptance.

Rachel utilizes traditional and non-traditional quilting techniques; each stitch or lack of is intentional. Rachel’s process consists of very unique and personal techniques, but also allows her to work quickly. While observing the subject (often a live model), she rapidly makes a sketch of the desired piece, and while still viewing the subject, she adheres bits of fabric to the base. After the quilt face is complete, the quilt is layered in a traditional method, and defining lines are quilted through all four layers of material. Some of Rachel’s quilts are immediate and unedited responses that may not have resulted from a live model or subject.

Rachel wishes to educate others of this dying art form. Not only of the physical activity of quilting, but of its history. Quilting has been an activity performed by individuals and passed down from generation to generation that seems to be slowly forgotten …a process that many quilters fear will soon be lost.

Gallery Visio (at the University of Missouri – St. Louis)
170 Millennium Student Center
One University Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63121-4400
www.umsl.edu/~galvisio