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Life In Motion quilt

Life In Motion quilt

Life In Motion quilt

Incorporating her double heritage, knowledge and experience into quilt making is what sets Alice Olsen Williams’ work apart from other quilters. A prolific and gifted artist, Alice has been making quilts since 1980 when she took a summer course in the art. Since that time, she has used quilting to inspire, teach and soothe. Her latest commitment is a series of quilts intended to bring healing that will travel with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission examining the residential school issue.
For the featured project, the Curve Lake, Ontario, designer was inspired by a circular beadwork wall plaque that she configured into a square so it can be hung easily. The project is hand appliquéd and hand quilted. She says much of her inspiration comes from the traditional designs of the Anishinaabe people of her mother’s heritage. Many of her designs also include conventional quilt blocks that are a tribute to the heritage of her Norwegian father.
“I have a double heritage,” explains Alice, “and that’s reflected in my work.” Alice signs her quilts with the Medicine Wheel symbol that represents the four directions of the earth along with other symbolism.
Alice admits that she used to be afraid to look at quilts because she thought it was something she could never do, but after taking her first quilting course, she knew it was what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.
Read more in our Summer 2009 issue.

Designed by Alice Olsen Williams
Curve Lake First Nation, Ontario
705.657.3319
[email protected]