Portfolio

Quilts that tie us to the earth and each other

Imagine a Future, 2023
Art Quilt, H x W inches

This piece uses plant dyed and found fabrics, combining traditional quilt blocks with organic and improvisational shapes.

Artist Statement

I quilt to make art that reminds us a better world is possible. Quilts have the power to tie us to the earth and to each other, creating beauty and strength in our communities. I work from my home studio in Ronan, Montana, drawing inspiration from the shapes, colors, and textures of the land. The natural dyes I grow and work with connect me to the ecosystem in a visceral way.

I create wearable and practical art that is an accessible part of everyday life. My work combines organic shapes and traditional machine pieced quilt blocks. My use of upcycled fabrics, natural plant dyes, and hand stitching means that no two pieces are the same.

“art that reminds us a better world is possible”

Natural Dye

Using natural dyes connects me to the ecosystem in a visceral way. The soil in which the dye plants grow, the water in which I dye fabric, and the cast off fabrics found at my local thrift store work together to create the final product.

Left Unfinished, 2024, H X W inches, Marigold Dyed Cotton. Machine Pieced and Hand Quilted

Left: Cheeky Peaches, 2024 (Detail). Wearable Art. Marigold, madder and indigo dyed cotton, hemp and linen. Machine piecing, hand applique and quilting.

Right: Yoshi Tote, 2024. Wearable Art, H x W x D. Marigold and madder dyed cotton and hemp. Machine pieced and hand quilted.

Upcycling

Each piece begins with the material. I work with found shapes or choose fabric specifically for its texture or color.

Bucket Hat, 2024, Wearable Art. Handstitched with upcycled fabric scraps and bucket hat.

Hand Stitching

I hand quilt all of my pieces, using the same stitching as generations of quilters. The quirks and imperfections in my work ground it in the time and place in which it is created.

Hand stitched silk no. 8, 2024. Art Quilt, H x W x D Silk fabric with wool batting. Hand pieced and hand quilted

Left: Island View Pullover, 2024. Wearable art, H x D. Hand-stitched applique of upcycled fabrics creates a scene of Flathead Lake.

Right: The Shape of the Land, 2024 (Detail). Bed Quilt, H x W. Different types of hand quilting, ties, and x's create texture in this piece.

About the Artist

My relationship with textile art began at a very young age, wrapped in quilts made by family members. I learned how to sew and alter my own clothes over a decade ago. In 2020 I completed my first quilt, which rekindled my love of cloth in a new way. In the years after, I started making art quilts with hand and machine piecing. I began creating unique, upcycled quilted goods in 2022.

Customer Statements

  • "I commissioned Jessica to make a quilted sweatshirt for a family member. She created a beautiful piece! She collaborated with me to ensure the piece fit my vision and delivered the piece ahead of my deadline. Both the receiver and myself were so happy with the heirloom-quality work she created."

    -- Emily Wagner

  • I absolutely LOVED working with Jess. I have 3 different pieces from her and they are all gorgeous. I love how unique each is, and you can really feel the effort and care that goes into every stitch. They have held up very well over time, and are such beautiful pieces of art in my home. I get compliments all the time!

    --Rachael Hansen