Body Language (SAQA Virtual Gallery)

We not only speak with our voices but also with our bodies. It is estimated that 60% of communication is visual. Our nonverbal expressions, such as a raised eyebrow, a waving hand and crossed arms can convey many different pieces of information. From subtle motions to expressive gestures, these unspoken pronouncements add depth to our stories. How can you use body language to inspire and enhance your work?

Fuzzy Mall is a self-taught textile artist, who specializes in large-scale applique portraiture. Upon graduating from Kent State University, he began his work in painting and mixed media, showing regionally throughout the Midwest.  His focus solely on textiles started six years ago when he and his family moved to Dundas, Ontario, where they currently reside. 

Since that transition, Fuzzy has completed several award-wining bodies of work, collecting multiple prizes and grants.  His work has been published throughout the world.  In 2022, you can find pieces of his at Fiber Art International 2022, Quilt Visions, and FAN’s Excellence in Quilts shows.

I have dealt with portraiture and the figure throughout my career, interpreting and exploring the
subject in many different ways. I intended to allow the SAQA members to do the same when
proposing this show. The submissions did not disappoint, ranging from pure abstraction,
silhouettes, illustration, and realism. I found merit in all of them, and I truly appreciate everyone
who submitted.

Most communication can be accomplished without speaking. My chosen works created
narratives of joy, compassion, relaxation, contemplation, and sorrow. Body Language was not
solely intended to be a portrait show but a body of work that told stories. I was looking for quilts
that told their tales through the gesticulation of the body. Although the selection process was
complex, I chose the works that I felt best accomplished this, through the figures and the
backgrounds in which they were placed.

I would like to thank SAQA for the opportunity to create and adjudicate this show. Several
people are needed to create a virtual gallery, from the submitted artists and jurors to the support
staff. Each does a unique task to create an enjoyable experience. All the steps are complete
except for the most important one, the viewing. I now challenge you, the viewer, to spend your
time with each piece. All of these quilts have successfully and silently told a tale. Try to interpret
the stories that these quilts are telling. The artists and I thank you for your effort. Enjoy.

Margaret Abramshe (Utah, USA) - Dreamer
Linda Anderson (Oregon, USA) - Force of Nature
Anat D. Artman (Israel) - Millais preppers coffee for Mariana  
Terry Aske (British Columbia, Canada) - Gone Sailing
Geneviève Attinger (France) - Les Liens Profonds
Shannon Conley (Oklahoma, USA) - 4th of July, 2015
Phyllis Cullen (Hawaii, USA) - Warrior Tradition: Hula Kane
Lynn Czaban (Oregon, USA) - The Memories That Remain
Adriane Dedic (California, USA) - Eve In The Garden Of Persimmons In Winter
Maggie Dillon (Florida, USA) - Uncles Playing Marbles
Ann Houle (California, USA) - Gymnast Pyramid
Ellen Lindner (Florida, USA) - Caring
Kathleen McCabe (California, USA) - Mothers and Daughters
Lea McComas (Colorado, USA) - Busy Signal
Aynex Mercado (Maryland, USA) - Awakening Jane
Dana Danuta Owczarek (Poland) - My linen
Tina Sommer Paaske (Denmark) - Loneliness
Sharon Margaret Peoples (ACT, Australia) - The Red Gardener
Amanda Preston Araujo (Colorado, USA) - Amanda
Cindy Ellen Richard (Israel) - Sole Mates
Susan M. Robinson (Florida, USA) - Sisters
Carolyn I. Skei (Texas, USA) - Texas Boy with Fish
Mary Jane Sneyd (New Zealand) - The Lord of Birds
Martha Ann Turner (Nebraska, USA) - Should I?
Maggie Vanderweit (Ontario, Canada) - Life is Beautiful
Brandon Wulff (Ontario, Canada) - The Wandering Eye
Krista Zeghers (Manitoba, Canada) - Colourful Delight