Sharon Kerry-Harlan

Fragments of the Past, Threads of Memory

This quilt is a tapestry of stories, woven from fragments of lives past and present. Each bead, button, and adornment carries a history, an untold tale waiting to be uncovered. While the quilt can be appreciated as a whole, its true essence lies in its intricate details—the unusual buttons, antique trinkets, bisque dolls, and found treasures, each imbued with meaning.

As an artist, I am driven by the thrill of discovery. My childhood dream of becoming an archaeologist finds expression in these embellished works. They allow me to excavate and assemble memories, preserving the echoes of lives lived. Over the years, family, friends, and colleagues have entrusted me with their mementos—objects belonging to their loved ones or themselves—asking me to weave their stories into my art. These heirlooms transform the quilt into a living archive, a tribute to connection and remembrance.

Each piece I use has been carefully selected, whether new, antique, gifted, or found. Glass beads, celluloid buttons, metal brads, African masks, and countless other embellishments come together to form a unified whole. Every bead is sewn by hand, a meditative act that allows me to reflect on the origins of each item: Who wore this button? What moment in time does it carry?

This quilt is not just an artwork; it is a time capsule, a vessel for memory and meaning. It celebrates the beauty of disparate pieces coming together, reminding us that stories—like the threads of this quilt—can connect us across time and space.