If you are in the Seattle area you might be familiar with the mosaic work of Betz Bernhard at Seatac Airport, or her gila monster at the zoo. Or maybe you have seen Betz’s button necklaces, prints or collages. Those are all wonderful, but today I am writing about her newest adventures, made with fabric. 
Betz is an exuberant and generous person. Her personality is evident in these new textiles.
I like that she has left the edges rough and included bits of selvage.
The pieces are mostly silk. She balances the found patterns with straight shots of color and cut shapes.
The irregularities make the pieces lively.
The colors make them joyful.
Some of the pieces are completely abstract but many have references to objects, such as this big red pot and flower.
a big red hand –
a tea cup –
a red bowl with a blue plant .
The size of the quilts range from as small as 12″ square up to three or four feet.
I asked Betz if she wanted to write a few words about her work. She sent this image that has a few words embroidered on it.
Betz stitches that she wants a life without fear (and with friends, family and chocolate). These collage/quilts feel free and adventurous to me so maybe creation is an antidote to fear. They feel almost musical – I hope that you enjoy seeing them and listening to their syncopated rhythms. 
