Quilts meet Beachcombing: Nostalgia holding Nature

the first of many Quilted Treasures

There’s something magical about the way certain objects can transport us back in time—whether it’s the softness of a well-loved quilt or the smooth edges of a shell worn down by the ocean. My latest collection, Quilted Treasures, is a love letter to these everyday charms, blending the warmth of home with the serenity of the sea.

the subtle ribbing of the shells reminds me of the wrinkled surface of a well loved quilt

The Inspiration Behind the Collection

This series came to life during mindful moments along the ocean’s edge when I couldn’t help but to savor a small piece of her magic by collecting shells or other surprising seabed items like a little crab claw. The shells, driftwood, and small, forgotten items I collected felt like pieces that connected me to my inner child, for she never left the beach empty handed. But I could never figure out how to properly position these finds onto canvas. Until recently, I considered my love of quilts. For years I have marveled at the craft. Often wiishing I could create such a beautiful time consuming woven comfort. I purchased a few books on the craft and was inspired by how these fabrics were used as a form of expression (often for women) and also a patching of memory in the process and for years to come. Much like what I wish for my art.

It was only natural that these two sources of inspiration would eventually intertwine. The Quilted Treasures collection is my way of weaving together the tactile memories of quilted fabrics with the organic beauty of beach finds, creating a visual narrative that speaks to both nostalgia and the simple joys of nature.

lovely textures and faded tones

"The American Quilt: A History of Cloth and Comfort 1750-1950" by Roderick Kiracofe. used for my pattern inspiration. 

The Process

Each painting in this collection started with a found seaside object. I focused on the teasure attempting to capture its intiricaies while pulling forward its apparent texture with oil paint. After I would lay out a background composition as if I were assembling a quilt, considering how the patterns, colors, and textures would interact. From there, I allowed the piece to evolve organically, letting the colors of the natural forms of the shells guide the pattern of the quilt.

I wanted these paintings to capture that feeling of slowing down, of taking the time to notice and appreciate the small things—a practice that’s become all too rare in our fast-paced world. The textures in these works invite you to reach out and feel the layers, to remember what it was like to be wowed by a shell in the sand and be held by the blanket created by a loved one.

the beginnings of "Grandmother's Treasures".

a page from my poetry/sketchbook

I hope that when you look at these pieces, you’ll feel a sense of calm and nostalgia, a reminder that beauty is all around if you look for it!

Love you all!

shop the (still growing) collection here

"Better Together" available here