My Quilting Journey

In December of 2012, my family relocated to Virginia from Ghana due to my husband being posted here for work. During this time, I engaged in several different activities to keep me occupied between taking care of my younger children in the resettlement phase.

In fall of 2016, I found my real passion in fabrics after a visit to G-street fabrics in Falls Church Virginia. There I discovered and became inspired by the quilts of Gloria Gray, the catalyst for my quilting journey. Recognizing my potential and the natural skill that I possessed in fabric design and quilting; Gloria Gray exposed me to a variety of tips and skills in the art of quilting. Added support came from Wheeler Love who exposed me to some special courses and techniques in quilting. In no time, I had mastered the art of quilting and my skills improved with each project that I embarked upon, producing handbags, clothing and accessories, among other things, but quilting remains my greatest passion.

On a trip back to Ghana one vacation, I came to the realization the extent to which fabric scrapping was pervasive, a situation contributing to environmental damage. With an artistic and environmentalist mind, I took it upon myself to gather as many scrap fabrics being discarded by dress makers as I could find and use them in my works. This I have continued to do.

There are many ways to storytelling and art is a very important avenue in doing that. Each of my
artworks tells a story.

• Egyima

Notwithstanding the challenges that the COVID-19 lockdown presented, it helped me rethink and innovate my skills in quilting. I slowly found myself re-inventing the use of fabrics, but in a non-traditional sense. I’ve begun capturing portraits and scenes from nature, through fabric. I use raw edge applique & reverse applique in my art
pieces. Where instead of paint, I explore my canvas with scrap fabrics using traditional, modern, and contemporary techniques.

I feel it is time to give back to my home country what the United States has taught and given me. I’ve begun gathering a collection of sewing machines with the hope to empower young creative minds by helping them to develop skills necessary to earn a living for themselves; through equipping them with the requisite tools. My dream is to build a community where I can share this God given talent to the next generation, where I foresee a future of Africans quilting with rich fabrics; all through embroidered storytelling.

This is my passion, and this is my dream.

Artistic Philosophy

My approach to quilting is rooted in respect for tradition while embracing the possibilities of contemporary expression and artistic innovation.