
512 (the long quilt)
Work in progress
The Long Quilt is an evolving site-specific installation located in the artist's childhood home. The quilt top, measuring 95 by 6 feet, mirrors the exact length of the home, stretching from the attic down three flights of stairs to the front walkway. The completed piece will incorporate batting, quilting, and backing fabric. The choice of patchwork white fabric allows for visible markers of use, wear, and time—capturing the dirt and dust that accumulate as the piece is moved and documented.
The performance aspect of this work delves into nostalgia, exploring both the comforting and uncomfortable facets of memory as they relate to specific spaces. The act of draping the entire quilt over myself symbolizes a childlike retreat, akin to pulling covers over one’s head. This gesture also speaks to the labor involved in constructing a quilt of this scale, serving as a metaphor for the labor of retreating into and accessing memory. This is a representation of time, lived experiences, and memory. This way of activating the work was foundational in its inception.
The choice of patchwork white fabric allows for visible markers of use, wear, and time—capturing the dirt and dust that accumulate as the piece is moved and documented.
The accompanying photos depict the second iteration of the installation and performance, illustrating how the piece will engage with the space in its final form. Additionally, a video component will complement the final presentation, to further the understanding of movement within the work.
Akron, OH & Ann Arbor, MI
2024
lace, cotton, polyester, embroidery, found objects
Ongoing fiber installation & site-specific performance

512 (the long quilt) & Window Quilt River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) & Window Quilt River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) & Window Quilt River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top and documentation, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) & Window Quilt River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top performance II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

Window Quilt River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) & Window Quilt River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

512 (the long quilt) River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top (close up), River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top (close up), River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top and documentation, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top and documentation, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top, River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH

512 (the long quilt) River Forest Berry, 2024 University of Michigan, Stamps MFA, Ann Arbor MI

512 (the long quilt) - quilt top installation II, River Forest Berry, 2024 Akron, OH