MichelleTrachtman ARTIST STATEMENT

Fleur was a labor of love! She started life as a white horse that was made over 15 years ago. With this semesters theme of Wildflowers, called to me to finish her. Working on her reminded me of the late Barbara Graff who created her pattern. She was with me throughout the process of converting her from a plain white horse to the colorful beauty she is now.

Fleur is covered in a variety of cotton flowered fabrics, each of which is hand sewn to her body. She was sewn with visible stitching to help to slow down the process making each stitch a prayer.

Fleur was created without a face, to represent a universal figure that transcends individuality. Fleur symbolizes the collective beauty which emphasizes the idea of shared experiences and emotions that go beyond specific individual beings. By having no face, she leaves room for the viewers imagination to fill in the missing details.

Fleur presented many obstacles in bringing her to life, but I am delighted with the way she turned out. Perseverance won out this time!