Quilt by Patricia Belyea
56" x 72"
Translated as ”wa,“ harmony is an important influence in Japanese culture that impacts social, business, and political behavior. Personal conduct in Japan is modulated to ensure harmony above all else in every interaction.
I interwove two big themes into Harmony. One is the Puzzle of Life with the piecing of the quilt blocks. The other is the Sacred Spiral, symbol of balance, in the multi-colored, big-stitch quilting.
The patterned fabrics, an unbleached cotton-linen blend from Japan, were bought at quilt shops in my hometown of Ottawa and my present home of Seattle. My favorite design is the complex one with trees, flowers, and rainbows—so I featured it on the quilt back.
Harmony was featured in Patricia’s book, East-Meets-West Quilts, as a project with instructions. Made with contemporary designer cottons plus contemporary solids.
The quilt, signed with Patricia’s applique´signature, comes with a Certificate of Authenticity and a custom linen bag. Shipping and insurance are free to a domestic US address.
Patricia founded Okan Arts—a family business that imports vintage Japanese textiles. Inspired by these found fabrics, Patricia incorporates hand-dyed yukata cottons into her quilt designs. An award-winning quilter, Patricia’s quilts have been exhibited at quilt museums across the country.