Quilted Crow - New Works by Peggy Sue Payne

“My neighbour had her quilts on her clothes line a few days after my dad had passed away so I was hyper aware of my surroundings, it seemed to peek the interests of many corvids, they began to gather and were very intrigued by one particular Quilt. I wondered if certain patterns and colours were attracting them,why the quilter chose them and what they were communicating to the birds. Both quilts and Corvids have been seen as messengers but as with most things in nature, things often get lost in translation. The relationship between animals and people is one that altercates between fear and love, as do most human behavioural patterns and relationships, they are complex but also complimentary.”

“Having a mother who quilted and taught me to sew but to also have a respect for the wild it was very natural for me to be drawn to both as subject for inspiration. I correlate Crows, ravens and quilts with PEI as they often remind me of home. I felt strongly compelled to start this work not really knowing where it was heading or Why I was painting triangles and crows repeadtly but I knew I had to trust the process and just keep painting. It wasn't until the work was completed and I was still struggling to make sense of my pieces when I was informed that triangles symbolize home in Native American cultures. Message Received.” 

Peggy Sue's formal training began with Textile Studies at the Anna Templeton Centre in St. John's, Newfoundland, and led to a BFA from Mount Allison University.  Her experiences have allowed for a dedicated lifelong practice with a strong focus on textiles, drawing, painting and printmaking.  Having more than two decades of professional experience, has resulted in her work being coveted and collected nationally.  Peggy Sue Payne is inspired by all forms of nature.  Her prolific and expansive body of work is ever changing.

“By focussing on texture and details I used these pieces to create a meditative practice providing a space for me to get lost in the details and I hope the viewer can experience the same. Living a somewhat transient lifestyle this work was inspired on PEI after my father passed away, started on Vancouver Island, worked on in the Yukon and then finalized back on PEI.”