ARTIST STATEMENT
Through the years I’ve continued to feature the domestic divas. It’s Curtains is a response to the GOP’s launch of the war on women’s reproductive health rights. I connected the quilt blocks with key chains and handcuffs and asked the question: who holds the key? In You Don’t Own Me #14 Protest Series the domestic divas continue to sound the alarm with direct messaging and remind us that Sisterhood is Powerful.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Penny Mateer, artist/activist, works with textiles and recycled materials. Mateer’s art is rooted in quilting and embroidery traditionally thought of as “women’s work.” Drawing from this rich history of creating functional objects intended to provide warmth and comfort, she uses fabric as her primary material because it is both recognizable and relatable. Her work centers on social and economic issues with the goal to spark thought and discussion. Mateer has received numerous awards including Best of Show Fiberart International 2016 and was an artist in residence at MASS MoCA. Her work is in the Pittsburgh Public School System collection. She was co-director of Knit the Bridge, a community-made public art project installed on the Andy Warhol Bridge in Pittsburgh. She organizes Pole-2-Polls, a community-made public art project to promote voting. Mateer lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
© Penny Mateer