Rachel Malcolm Ensor's "Sojourn: American Quilt Series" Paintings on Display at Varsity Center

A series of paintings by Oak Street Art member Rachel Malcolm Ensor will be on display at the Varsity Center in Carbondale, Illinois, from February 8 through March 5, 2019.

Rachel has chosen the title "Sojourn: American Quilt Series" for the show and will be glad to meet you at the artist's reception on Friday, February 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Varsity Center (418 S. Illinois Ave. in Carbondale). Please see the flyer below.

Given the influence of art from the African Diaspora in Rachel's work, it is especially fitting for this show to run during African American History Month (February). We invite you to read Rachel's artist statement below, immediately following the flyer.

Congratulations, Rachel!

ARTIST'S STATEMENT
by Rachel Malcolm Ensor

After a career teaching art history I have returned to my original passion, which is
painting. Color is a language that I use to express ideas, thoughts, and goals. The
American Quilt Series reflects on my depth of experience and knowledge
regarding modern art, the African Diaspora, and textile traditions handed down
to me from my grandmothers. This series reflects a strong parallel with African-
American folk quilters, especially their use of asymmetry and irregularity of form.
Time spent with my grandmothers and their textile traditions, quilting-tatting-
embroidery-pattern making provided a foundation for my work. Influences of
early twentieth century modern painters, American abstract expressionists,
African writing systems, textiles, and the African Diaspora in the Americas all
contribute to my work.