Small Wonders: Doll Quilts by Andrea Balosky

Billy Wilder, October, 2001, 15 1/2" x 20"

I'm working on a little catalog for the February, 2011 "Small Wonders" show at Latimer Quilt and Textile Center in Tillamook, Oregon. We're doing a self-published catalog using Blurb print-on-demand services. The catalog will be 120 pages, soft-cover, and we're hoping to break even and keep the cost per copy under $30. That's a tall order, considering the body of work includes 108 quilts! But the first draft is almost done, and I wanted to share some more pictures.

Garrison Keillor, October, 2001, 19" x 21"

Andrea Balosky created this body of work over a four year period. During this time, many things were happening in her life and in the world. Things were changing. The world was changing.

Desmond Tutu, July, 2002, 14" x 15"

Balosky and friend Merrily Ripley were stranded in Africa after 9/11. Balosky had accompanied Ripley, who works with international adoption advocacy, and the two bonded. They eventually returned home and got back to their daily routines, but America was not the same as it was before they'd gone to Africa.

Hermias, a sponsored AIDS child in Ethiopia, June, 2002
13 1/2" x 18"

Balosky continued to make the doll quilts, and they seemed to evolve after 9/11. She had earlier started naming the quilts more specifically for family, friends, and noteworthy individuals - rather than just picking random names. But the post 9/11 quilts seemed to have a greater sense of purpose, whether by designated name or innovative design.

Mr. Rogers, February, 2003, 14 1/2" x 18"

The name choices are very intriguing, and range from Nelson Mandela to Homer Simpson to the artist's mother. A large number of tributes are paid to artists, choreographers, musicians, humanitarians - and Balosky was clearly giving a nod to the freedom of creative expression and the ideal of world peace. At the same time, she was honoring some of the people close to her. 

So, that's all I've got for today. Hope you've enjoyed these quilts! As the show starts to come together, I'll post some more. :)

Rosa Parks, October, 2001, 21" x 24"