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 is part of a series inspired by images I photographed with a scanning electron microscope during my previous career as a Marine Biologist.

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 and this was raw edge appliquéd to felt.  The felt inside each opening was then cut away.  Several layers of diluted paint were applied to the wet surface after stitching. The bottom layer is a separate free motion stitched quilt. 

Dimensions: 31"W x 23"H