Varying perspectives of the Southwest are celebrated in the unique medium of quilting in an exhibit on display in Peoria.
The 4 Common Corners art group — an invitational group of fiber artists drawn together by immersing themselves in the beauty of the four corners region of the southwest U.S. — came together for the exhibit “Extremes in the Southwest.” The display can be viewed through Friday, Jan. 13 inside the West Valley Art Museum Art Gallery, in City Hall, at 8401 W. Monroe St., in Old Town Peoria.
Fiber artists lend their methods using machine work, hand elaboration, paints, and various modern technology in creative pieces within four descriptive areas: Fractures and Fissures, Heat, Bright Sky Dark Sky, and Whimsy.
“When I asked to convey my vision behind Fractures and Fissures, I found it intriguing that in the desert we are vastly affected by the tug and pull of earth and its profound effect on our desert fauna and flora,” participating artist Debra Goley, of Goodyear, shared of her approach. “Geography has always interested me as first studying architecture at university and then producing countless site plans, topography models and reasons why to or not to build in a place and or protect it.”
A member of 4 Common Corners, Goley notes that recently uncovered earth fissures around Arizona inspired her to discover giant crevasses not made by erosion. The fissures occur where a lack of groundwater withdraws and stress on underlying layers begins to shift.
The Arizona Geological Survey has begun to map out such regions. She finds beauty in the light and shapes, and was able to translate her vision into fiber art.
“The process culminates after the research and various sketches begin, percolate, and gather steam,” she said. “Layering collaged materials that reflect my sketch idea, are auditioned, and finally placed. Drawing with my needle ties it all together, adding another layer of texture and dimension.”
Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, and noon-6 p.m. Thursdays, and the gallery is free.
Meet Steve Steve Stockmar joined Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, in 2017, and has been an Arizona journalist for almost 30 years. He serves as editor of Sun Life Magazine and contributes to West Valley communities where he focuses mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference.
Community: Every season Steve serves as a “buddy” with the Miracle League of Arizona in Scottsdale, has volunteered his time with Family Promise in Glendale, and previously served on the Ghostlight Theatre board in Sun City West.
Education: Graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff with a Journalism major and English minor.
Random Fact: Steve once won a 50-player live Texas Hold ’Em poker tournament.
Hobbies: Anguishing over his beloved Chicago Cubs and Bears; listening to Beatles and Grateful Dead music.
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