Artist Statement: Diatoms are tiny, single-celled aquatic plants that can only be seen with a microscope. Each species has an exquisite cell wall made of silica. This is inspired by an image I photographed with an electron microscope. I love the challenge of using fabric and paint to evoke the beautiful complexity of microscopic organisms.

Materials & Techniques: Three layers of hand-dyed and painted cotton fabric were used. The top two layers are backed with felt. Openings were made through the two top layers to show the layers below. Free motion stitching was used around each opening and to stitch the layers together. Several coats of paint were added after stitching.

Dimensions: 33"W x 28"H

Photographer: Carla Stehr