House Finch Quilt Square

A collaborative whole-class project blending elements of Science, Art and ELA as a connection to place

The Process

Artist Statement

My piece is an abstract representation of a house finch, created using embroidery thread, wool yarn, and felting wool. The bird is stitched rather than realistically rendered, allowing texture and material to suggest form. Wool yarn was shaped to resemble feathers, while felting wool was used to create the soft, fluffy underbelly of the finch, emphasizing its warmth and liveliness. The house finch represents wildlife within our ecosystem. Ecologically, this bird plays an important role by spreading seeds and serving as a food source for larger birds. Within the quilt, it symbolizes the presence of wildlife and the interconnected relationships that exist in nature, reminding viewers that even small creatures contribute to the balance of an ecosystem. My inspiration came from photographs of house finches found online, which I used as a reference for the bird’s shape and features. I combined this research with my own ideas by choosing natural, tactile materials that could be shaped and layered to create a sense of movement and depth. This combination of observation and experimentation allowed me to create an original piece that highlights both the beauty of the house finch and the textures possible through fibre art.

Assessment

• Intentional use of the space – YES
• Multiple materials (2+) – YES
• Your element, represented within the context of our local forest ecosystem – YES

Weaving

Artist Statement

This weaving is created from acrylic yarn drawn from my own collection, crafted with the intention of representing one of my saddle blankets in a smaller form. As an introduction to the art of weaving, this project allowed me to explore a style I have been curious about, building on my existing interest in fibre arts. Through the process, I was able to engage with texture, pattern, and color in a hands-on way, deepening my appreciation for the craft. I also considered the educational potential of this piece. Its simplicity and approachability make it a project I could envision sharing with my own students one day, providing them with a low-risk, engaging introduction to fibre works.

Assessment

• My weaving is at least 6 inches long – YES
• My thread tension is correct – no holes from very loose thread/yarn – YES – it was tighter on the loom but when I took it off it loosened up a bit
• Loose ends trimmed neatly – YES
• Work was carefully removed from loom, warp threads pulled tightly and tied neatly – YES

Monochromatic Atmospheric Perspective

Assessment

Photography Series

Artist Statement

This three-photo series features my horse, Gus. All of the photos focus on his nose because it is my favorite part of him. The photos are taken from a lower angle and show a close-up view. Gus is very important in my life, so I wanted to create a photo series of him. Through these photos, I wanted to capture a simple and personal perspective of Gus and share a small part of the connection I have with him.