Target Afghanistan... And The Tears Fall Down Like Rain

Wearable art quilt coat 9/11, of mixed textiles, photocopy transfers, turkey bones, Unicef box, rubble
2001

We were all affected in some way by the events of September 11, 2001. After a few weeks of ideas roaming around in my head, the idea for this crystalized for me.

The coat is of quilting cottons, poison green for the Afghan side and red Christmas fabric for the American inside. Photocopy transfer images of the desperate conditions of daily life in Afghanistan are shown on the outside. Images depicting a more comfortable "Mom and apple pie" standard of life adorn the inside.

The outlines of the burning twin towers of the World Trade Centers are the only things that are stitched through the two layers, touching them both equally. Burnt flamey edges finish the effect. The coat is displayed over a Unicef box and pile of rubble and fabric scraps.

The piece evokes a very emotional response when exhibited, as most pieces about this event do. My work is not usually political but once the image came into my mind, I had to do this piece. It was cathartic in a painful time when all nerves seemed to be rubbed raw.