Artist Statement

The snapshots I capture during my walks and travels have become the inspiration for a series that explores the use of fiber and stitch to share the natural world that surrounds me. It is a means to give a voice to my thoughts, express my concern for the environment and illustrate the love I have for this place, I call home.
The prairies, known for its vast open spaces, offers stunning views of the skyline. By creating these images with single use plastics, the notion of how pervasive it has become, is realised. Plastic is literally everywhere, quietly invading the beauty that surrounds us. Our water, our bodies and our beautiful skies. 
The geometric stitching that fills the skies with movement is included as a way to honor the skilled craftswomen who pieced and sewed together bits of fabric to keep their loved ones warm, by creating quilts. The designs or patterns are based on traditional patchwork quilt blocks, chosen to add meaning and to acknowledge those that passed their skills on to me. 

Artist Bio

North Dakota fiber artist and award winning longarm quilter, Debbie Kauffman, comes from a world of textiles and sewing machines. She learned to tell her stories through drawing and sculpting with thread. She’s all about using unexpected materials and incorporating intricate detail into her pieces, while raising awareness for important issues like landfill waste. Her 12 foot quilting machine is the sidekick that helps her bring her ideas to life, creating pieces that aim to touch not only the eye, but also the heart. Join her on this journey of combining art and sustainability, one stitch at a time. 

Touring Schedule

Ellendale Opera House
June 7-28
Taube Museum of Art
July 24-August 26
James Memorial Art Center
September 2-27
Valley City State University Art Gallery
October 14 - November 22
University of Mary Galleries
December 1-31
Bismarck State College
January 6 - February 14
Bismarck Art & Gallery Association
March 4-22
Lake Region Heritage Center
April 1-27
LONG X Art Foundation
July 4- August 30
Northwest Art Center
Sept 4 - Oct 2 
MonDak Heritage Center
​ November 3- January 4