22. Velga Easker

I explore the creative possibilities of the discards of our throwaway culture by deconstructing materials such as canceled postage stamps, security envelopes, junk mail, produce tabs and coffee sleeves to discover new combinations and inventive images which at times reference the ingenious and artistic expressions of early quilters. 

As a child emigre from Latvia, I enjoyed a rich bicultural upbringing which encouraged a unique perspective on my surroundings. The Latvian culture of my parents is rich in tradition and crafts as well as music and folk tales. My mother graduated technical high school in Latvia with a focus in fibers. She continued her love of fiber, constantly having a needlework in hand when the day’s work was done. Being thrifty immigrants, my parents  taught me by example to value materials and to be creative in reusing. 

Being attracted to visual contrasts and the unexpected, I was intrigued by the possibilities of integrating traditional fiber technique with non-traditional material  such as wire and plastic tubing with the fiber. That led to assembling quilts composed totally of everyday plastic, contrary to the usual art material of the day. 

At work, while checking mail, the American flag stamp, with its strong red, white and blue color, the stripes and design, caught my eye. I then cut and rearranged the stamps to reflect a kaleidoscopic design. Then later noting the interior side of the envelopes on which the stamps were affixed, their varied color and pattern led me to incorporate them into the designs. 

I am excited by my current use of coffee to-go cups, their sleeves, and other related paraphernalia and continue to explore its potential. I am interested in how the elements can echo each other, how they can be ordered into strong designs. 

My reusing trash has intrigued friends and strangers and enthused them to contribute raw material for me, a collaboration of sorts. A bag of stamps or a bag of coffee sleeves I have often found on my door step or in my mail box.