Exhibitions

MELISSA EVERETT: UTILITY

The Central Collective / 923 N. Central St. April 6, 2018 - April 24, 2018

Melissa Everett

My journey as an artist began with the comfort and connection associated with quilt making. I taught myself to quilt in 2012 upon the arrival of my first son. It was one of those huge transitions in life when you don’t really know what is about to happen next but you hold on and go for it. Much to my surprise, this “little hobby” I was embarking on would lead to huge personal growth, branching out and meeting some of the most inspirational people here in Knoxville.

Domestic life was a difficult adjustment for me, and through quilting I was able to find beauty and calm in the day to day hustle of child rearing. The historically woman-dominated craft of quilting was becoming a way of life for me, as it has for so many before me. For many years, women have been making these utility objects to provide warmth and security to their loved ones, pouring their prayers and hardships into each one and weaving broken pieces back together. A quilt’s utility was so appealing and practical to me, yet I longed for them to be recognized for their visual appeal as much as their warmth and comfort.

There is a movement happening within quilt making which has spurred me to keep exploring, asking questions and searching for more. My work is evolving, centering me and satisfying my need to be stimulated visually through color, composition and concept. I’ve been influenced greatly by cut paper collage, abstract expressionism, print making and a love for what I call organic geometry. The calculated imperfections that come from creating by hand and being a work in progress are also very satisfying. There’s a great deal of beauty in life’s imperfections. This show is about being more than UTILITY.

This show is dedicated to the women who have taught me and encouraged me to explore.