Artist Statement: Diatoms are aquatic, single-celled plants that are so small they can only be seen with a microscope. Each species has a uniquely beautiful, multi-layered cell surface. This piece was inspired by a microscopic image of a diatom in the family Coscinodiscus.

Materials & Techniques: Two quilted layers were used to represent the multiple layers found in diatom cell walls. For the top layer, openings were cut through hand-dyed cotton fabric. This was satin stitched to felt, and felt was cut away from inside the opening. The bottom layer is a separate free motion stitched quilt. The two quilted layers were stitched together.

Dimensions: 27"W x 22"H