SilkQuilt

A Meeting Of The Minds

Allow me to introduce Traci Arieli, a certified end-of-life doula. I met her through an article I wrote for Hadassah Magazine. (The article is on page 38 in the link.) We spoke through her podcast, Comforting Closure – Conversations with a Death Doula, Stitching Stories in this episode, Quilting as Life Review with Louise SilkContinue reading “A Meeting Of The Minds”

Memory Quilt 2025

Hailey’s Bags, Witness Quilt Contributions, Wisdom Patches, Steve’s Jeans, Work Shirt & Tee, Eli’s Napkin Fabric, Wedding Tie, & Basketball Uniform, Annie’s Wedding Dress, Tee-Shirt Quilt Remnants, Black Clothing Remnants, Panche Ikat Shirt, Alexander Henry 9-Patch, Nana’s Needlepoint & Cocktail Napkins, Izzy’s Big Tees, Dan’s Roots SweatShirt, A Patchwork Life Silks

Witnessing

Creating The Witness Quilt hinged on my unwavering faith in the creative process. I would not see the quilt in its totality until six months into the exhibition. My studio wall did not accommodate its massive size. Time limitations required both the veiled kittel under-layer and the concealing add-on patchworks to be built simultaneously. AContinue reading “Witnessing”

The Application of AI to Me

There is a program this Thursday at The Heinz History Center where the request was for me to speak about “art, history, and activism from a Jewish perspective”. This request put me into a panic- what do I have to say about art, history and activism in my work????? I turned to my husband, asContinue reading “The Application of AI to Me”

Our Fiber World in Woven Stories

Sarah and I work together as SilkDenim. You can see our product line on ETSY. We also share a birthday. This is a portrait I made for her to celebrate our latest one: In addition to what we share, we each follow our independent interests. Sarah is a feldenkrais practitioner and an active member ofContinue reading “Our Fiber World in Woven Stories”

In My Own Words

For many years I have been documenting my life, first with journals, then with the text, The Quilting Path, with self-published books from The Quilting Path to The Container Blog and finally (for now) A Patchwork Life. Here is the list and links to see them: The Container Blog was a project I did withContinue reading “In My Own Words”

Gut Yonif

The Heinz History Center’s Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives will celebrate the Jewish holiday of Purim with a one-night only, participatory experience that blends hand-crafted art and tradition. Purim commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in the ancient Persian empire. This is a joyous occasion that is often celebrated with storytelling, gifts, andContinue reading “Gut Yonif”

THE BLESSING CORD

To celebrate the UNMAKING of THE WITNESS QUILT, as part of Louise Silk: A Patchwork Life, I offer the ritual of the RED STRING. The Red String offers protection. Red attracts and impedes negative forces, converting the darkness of judgement into the mercy of light. This creates a forcefield that diverts the evil eye. InContinue reading “THE BLESSING CORD”

UnMaking The Witness Quilt

Witness עֵד2023-24. 1200+ individual detachable patches.Overall:178”W X 101”L. Panels: Right_Front7/Back_Left1 19”WX71”L; Right_Front6/Back_Left2 22”WX78”L; Right_Front5/Back_Left3 22”WX 87”L; Middle_Front4a&b and Back4 52”X 101”L; Left_Front3/Back_Right5 22”WX87”L; Left_Front2/Back_Right6 22”W X78”L ; Left_Front1/Back_Right7 19”WX71”L. Under Layer: Materials: Crème colored linens, clothing, embroidery floss, yarn, old quilts. Technique: individually hand embroidered BubbeWisdoms or phrases ofa contemporary version of Viddui prayer finishedContinue reading “UnMaking The Witness Quilt”

Yichus-Part IV

My cousin Gerrie Shapiro was recently featured on page 42 of Whirl Magazine. You may know her as a dog trainer and/or as an artist; for me, she is the keeper of our heritage. She had in her possession my great-grandfather’s wallet; now housed in the Jewish Archives Shapiro Brother Papers. Found in the wallet,Continue reading “Yichus-Part IV”