" Jade "

Many African Americans are of mixed heritage. Jade was created from my desire to pay tribute to my Asian ancestry. This piece recognizes and appreciates the ethnic diversity that exists in individuals as well as some cultures.

Centuries ago, the Chinese were among many Eastern people who wore quilted armor as protection against arrows and swords. By the eighteenth century, both patchwork and appliqué was considered “spiritual armor” and the more intricate the design, the more protection it provided the wearer against evil spirits. It is believed that the Crusaders in the eleventh century, after traveling to the East, brought the idea of quilted garments to Europe, and these eventually lead to quilted bedcovers.

This piece was blithely created with the ornate use of Chinese satins, silks and patches of fur. The corners are embellished with 100-year-old Chinese good luck balls and the center with cowery shells. The back is made of French cut velvet with sparse use of beaded elements. (66 in x 69in)