https://www.jwkingart.com/sculptureandinstallation daily 1.0 2025-08-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1562599636467-KHPBLJAZU34CLIKVV24A/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - 80 Pounds: Impulse Buy or Key (In)Vestment? (front view) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510603637212-72ZNZJGOSVLFDYCKEP6L/80Pounds.jpg Sculpture and Installation - 80 Lbs.: Impulse Buy or Key In(Vestment)? This vest is made from more than 4,000 re-used metal keys, garment labels, fabric, and thread. The weight is just over 80 lbs. which represents the average weight of clothing every person in the U.S. tosses in the trash every year. There is also a short video that goes along with the installation so viewers can also hear the beautiful siren song the vest makes when someone walks in it, like the twkinkling notes of “Buy me, buy me.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025598499-FN0ERB384INYPXRF08AV/80+Pounds+back.jpg Sculpture and Installation - 80 Lbs.: Impulse Buy or Key In(Vestment)? Back view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023006981-0Y0OPEXMDUX8XY3XQW4B/80Poundsdetail.jpg Sculpture and Installation - "80 Pounds: Impulse Buy or Key (In)Vestment?" (detail) Detail of shoulder area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1551193971238-5YWFLHITS3ZT571H4HRK/IMG_3962.JPG Sculpture and Installation - "When did jeans become the backbone of the fast fashion industry?" This view of the work., taken during a solo exhibition at the Meredith College Gallery, shows the spinal cord shape created by the jeans waistbands, ranging in size from infants to 3X. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510022713363-XWDQNXEUYCFRHGJY7TW3/80Pounds.jpg Sculpture and Installation - 80 Pounds: Impulse Buy or Key (In)Vestment? (front view) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1562787573770-QCAQ3TYSMSA0WNEMEXTE/IMG_E2275.JPG Sculpture and Installation - "When did jeans become the backbone of the fast fashion industry?" This photo is from “Southern Strands: North Carolina Fiber Art,” an exhibition of the work of 40 NC fiber artists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1539286749624-9QJXLI9UJ0FSHVG3J92Y/IMG_3959.JPG Sculpture and Installation - "When did jeans become fast fashion?" (detail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1551191472288-HWB1KI6QDLUCVE3WKQEF/IMG_3334.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Off the Chart: Annual sales of GMO cotton seeds and pesticides vs. the death rate of cotton farmers Utilizing remnants from the jeans waistband sculpture, previous, I used the inner and outer seams to create a chart. The effects of using GMO seed on our environment, on the health of farmers and farm workers has been abundantly documented. The exponential increase in the demand for jeans, of all shapes, colors, and styles— by people the world over—has lead to a parallel increase in the death rate of farmers and farm workers who are all but forced into using GMO seeds that purport to increase yields, but also require the use of more an more toxic pesticides as time goes by. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1551193052475-8P53D4JQVUH3DC2R9ADS/IMG_3936.jpg Sculpture and Installation - "Jeans (Gene) Splicing: Why do we pay up to 10X more for jeans that have been ripped, sanded, lasered, painted, bleached, shrunk and/or blinged?" The truth is most Americans and Western Europeans and more and more people the world over wear jeans. Jean manufacturers have figured out vastly more ways than the standard fly-front first made by Levi in 1801. Now they come in a variety of washes, colors, blends, styles, lengths, stretch, and more, such that many people have from 2-20 jean garments in their wardrobes. The irony here is that consumers are often duped into paying significantly higher prices for the models that have been “pre-distressed,” in a variety of ways, which tend to shorten the useful life of the garments because they fall apart faster and/or fall out of fashion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025769383-FFKUSQ9KR0ML04G5PNYD/King_7.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Ballgown Breakdown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1652301233327-BO5QCK4QJH26AOPIJ92W/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - Ballgown Breakdown Rear view of the work installed at Rocky Mount Mills. Community members contributed to the skirt installation by gifting their used jeans, knowing they would be given to charity thrift shops for resale when the piece was deinstalled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1539285822538-EKJVNARAH5GQ8QOXQ2IB/King_2.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Shirtwaist Waste: Landfill Slice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510102185166-4120DC7KCV8X7I6JR6SU/04Shirtwaist+Waste+Landfill+Slice+JWK.JPG Sculpture and Installation - Shirtwaist Waste: Landfill Slice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510102584869-92ZVMR9XOYR1407EX7W2/Landfill+Slice+Detail.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - Shirtwaist Waste: Landfill Slice (detail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025832995-P1D4YM0AGM00NO6LIZI1/King_3detail.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025855230-TA0XLGYMH0A2C3DXMPIJ/King_4.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Sewing in the Shadows: Disposable Garments, Disposable People? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510102298541-JLDLKRIVXIYRFWA8R5JK/Shadows+front+view.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Sewing in the Shadows: Disposable Garments, Disposable People? (front view) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510102409204-YRH62C15WTEL9FY4HPZ1/IMG_1780+%282%29.JPG Sculpture and Installation - Still Working in the Shadows: Disposable Garments, Disposable People? (back view) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025867927-1BZ51568WY3UOD76XA08/King_5detail.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Still Working in the Shadows: Disposable Garments, Disposable People? (detail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510102373342-FKXRH3VPCZ75BTMWOPQD/IMG_3974.JPG Sculpture and Installation - Still Working in the Shadows: Disposable Garments, Disposable People? (detail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510102164247-YHPDQ811ZA24O5BY93BX/03Workingin+the+Shadows+detail.JPG Sculpture and Installation - Still Working in the Shadows: Disposable Garments, Disposable People? (interior view) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1539287299051-F56A0LEMG2EEHXV80OKY/IMG_3994.JPG Sculpture and Installation - Indigo is turning rivers a toxic blue in China, Bangladesh, India and Mexico Photograph by Bayard Wooten of a 1920s denim mill in Greensboro, NC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1599785935546-1I50U3H9DNFV8H6MIYXR/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1656787184849-RAXVWHRKMTD2C0LTNHVT/image.jpg Sculpture and Installation - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1599786256739-2TOST92ROAIRR45LUVDZ/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" in progress Nearly complete work in progress—demonstration and interaction with the visiting public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1756677359942-JNSDNNE0RH7N6J7Y4KOG/image-asset.png Sculpture and Installation - Adding to the Landfill: From Thrift to Grift This sculpture is an amalgam of a 1970s cotton Double Wedding Ring quilt and cheap polyester blouses from the 2000s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025683424-P71E1EZKMR31FV8JMCU4/Collared+1.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Collared Dress (in motion) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025699629-TQR2UNIVVL7D6CTA2D0U/Collar+2.jpg Sculpture and Installation - Collar Dress https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510026329337-H1I9OHA02XL953DK7JBS/02_KING_HANGINGPLANT.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510026009609-03L6Q09ZKKSIYO2E3R6C/VCCA+install+one.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510026197065-CD3JSRMFQRZEG5AM7ANM/VCCA+art+gray+2.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510026176946-9A6E9DO88YP9WBZN1IS8/VCCA+art+gray+4.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510026261758-J2HQF21ATWKGCBREBQ7Y/VCCA+art+purple+3.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510026231695-9CR5SYRSDBXIVSNRSGQX/VCCA+art+taupe.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510101096307-3TR4N64JMK5SYDI2VPBD/VCCA+art+tubes+1.jpg Sculpture and Installation https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/5a011e1124a6947cd53423cf/5bbfa0ee53450a249e131387/1756678373503/IMG_3935.JPG Sculpture and Installation - Shirtwaist Waste: Landfill Slice https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/5a011e1124a6947cd53423cf/627c1a0a2e867b4e556cafd2/1756678373505/ Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1756675495732-3TQ62US81EB2K356CYVH/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - Christening Gown: Passing it Down for Generations I created this image by mono-printing directly from garment to paper, then machine sewing the golden threads that stream down the front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1756677904379-RPAJ63VMED0CPVYHO2OK/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1756675722027-2GIA86VZV03LAIJFTDO4/image-asset.jpeg Sculpture and Installation - From Thrift to Grift in 50 Years This sculpture is an amalgam of a 1970s Wedding Ring quilt and thrifted polyester blouses. The sheer blouses allow the thrifty textile below to show through. The form of the sculpture is inspired by what a load of disposed textiles might look like as they are moved from a garbage truck to the landfill, where they will take more than 2,000 years to start decomposing, adding more microfibers to our already plastic-laden soil and water. https://www.jwkingart.com/hybridstructures daily 0.75 2023-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023611630-6KL8BDF9TQLZ6LSPYKYT/1003+Toteml+Two.jpg Hybrid Structures - Totem I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023611630-6KL8BDF9TQLZ6LSPYKYT/1003+Toteml+Two.jpg Hybrid Structures - Totem I https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024106964-P8V3VNXDI9MUQ49WTRZN/1006+Quartet.jpg Hybrid Structures - Four Score This piece was created from paint and hosiery on cradled board. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1511203930587-Z3Y8YQKK45A2GNEPIMPX/1009+Mandala.jpg Hybrid Structures - Mandala This nine panel piece was created from 9 pairs of tights on cradled boards with knotting. It is part of a series where I more interested in revealing that the material being used is hosiery/tights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023758846-CCQIXQQ3ZKD49G66W2Z7/02_King_Subway.jpg Hybrid Structures - Subway Conversation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024449782-FRP6CM306FWQFD1Y472V/Conumdrum.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023838614-J14KXI8EWRVR82V91O21/1008+Chapel.jpg Hybrid Structures - Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100277353-CJA3O6SPDDNXKVYLPFQA/Winging+It.jpg Hybrid Structures - Winging It https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024936159-HO81A2RQHBA1QE27IVCI/JoyceWatkinsKingSugarandSpiceNaughtyandNice.jpg Hybrid Structures - Sugar and Spice, Naughty and Nice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024474743-1AZ2ZB2NEI6W4KKTWL4G/Echo.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024995404-JV72FELQPXDYNLGNUSUX/Tribute+to+Mary+Hambidge.jpg Hybrid Structures - Tribute to Mary Hambidge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024726037-ZWJC17X52AJS0XVK3PDJ/Portal.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024902716-H442N36XE927WWHV6Y61/Triage+1.jpg Hybrid Structures - Tight Rope Walk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025170849-966CSLO4XW9MTYZ4HD5J/Transformation+2.jpg Hybrid Structures - Transformation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024164047-PVKIPTOVW7PC3O4H0EMT/Black+Tie+1+lg.jpg Hybrid Structures - Black Tie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024361052-QKRXGQL783TSQERUSW1J/Black+Tie+Detail.jpg Hybrid Structures - Black Tie (detail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023560803-UQUFSSWFMS11CZZOS6UD/1003+Toteml+Two.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023806088-RRO9T52QZK0LURTMXHQY/1003+Toteml+Two.jpg Hybrid Structures - Untitled One https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100009742-SDP670U0Y6DJ44OG3TTH/VCCA+rectangle+large.jpg Hybrid Structures - Inner Space, Outer Space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025060515-KG1IISZ1XIXBNMR7XYR6/peacock.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024663615-G38NN5FLMK6MJDFFY59G/Jazz+Nights.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510025109612-QWAVK798WJ4V22JSNIGG/Wave+notes+2.jpg Hybrid Structures - Wavelength https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602191964150-81MXKQC5L7RXU3MLBSAA/Southern%2BLadies%2Bcross%2Btheir%2Blegs.jpg Hybrid Structures - Southern Ladies Must Cross Their Legs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510023994718-GVAMOJBS7C48BQLFEYNA/1005+Occupied+Territory.jpg Hybrid Structures - Occupied Territory https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100065031-8AIRBV9MAZ8OBLH726HX/1002+Twenty+Tales.jpg Hybrid Structures - Sixteen Tales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100110688-OQKCNSSYZVS3JDWTW5Y3/Henna+Eyes.jpg Hybrid Structures - Henna Eyes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100260677-8GASGQL8ZRFHYJ1AHUTG/Clouds+over+the+Shore.jpg Hybrid Structures - Clouds over the Sea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100129509-E452WXZYCOJP23JEIXV6/King_HolyRollers.jpg Hybrid Structures - Holy Rollers: A Tribute to Miriam Shapiro https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510100130428-P3UB4IOQH29OFWTOKCFL/King_HolyRollers_detail.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1511203242857-ZWBDYTL7ZGA5UW33SVQN/01joycewatkinsking-nine-tales-300.jpg Hybrid Structures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510024576875-PLRP0BZG8M8U7ELYW8RR/Hambidge+Meadow.jpg Hybrid Structures - Hambidge Meadow This piece was inspired by the beautiful view from my studio/home window during an artist’s residency at the The Hambidge Center for Arts and Sciencectober and the vast open meadow was teeming with chirping insects, croaking frogs, tall grasses, and wildflowers. From my second story porch I could take it all in. I created the work by stretching hosiery/tights over boards, strategically burning them with a torch, then layering them over cradled boards and making adjustments to the shapes and patterns. I made some final burn patterns after the piece was assembled. Finished piece is 12 x18x1.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1511204143830-OXMDKASRADFMO9BZ4MUH/four+square.jpg Hybrid Structures - Sandwich https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1511204087646-ST6WUCMHRDY569TX3SFX/IMG_0084.JPG Hybrid Structures https://www.jwkingart.com/commissions-and-collaborations-1 daily 0.75 2023-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1644274466257-YB5VXVS5RMU3IFNKTZ22/bus+stop+end.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1644274466257-YB5VXVS5RMU3IFNKTZ22/bus+stop+end.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598388436200-1V32COS9Y4RBCPOW1B3J/Seasonssmall.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Seasons of Change and Hope: Shedding the Old and Growing the New" Commissioned by Raleigh Arts, I created this digital artwork by printing tree/vest forms from deconstructed and reassembled used clothing: in this case a jacket purchased from a thrift store. The artwork will be used on one of about 10 new bus shelters in downtown Raleigh in September 2020. After printing the top and bottom panels of the vest form, I added cut leaf shapes to fashion the leaves growing (spring and summer) and leaves falling (autumn and winter). I repeated the tree/vest forms to replicate the life cycle of all living things. The background of the tree forms will be clear glass so that bus riders can easily see the approaching busses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598458792331-07X85KHVI0BOCX867K1L/image-asset.jpeg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "I am the vine and you are the branches." Panel 1 This 4-panels installation (2 shown here) was commissioned by First Baptist Church, Grreensboro, NC for the newly renovated chapel. They wanted a visual focal point for the neutral multi-purpose space that would be compatible with the variety of uses: weddings, funerals, lectures, small performances/concerts, etc. In keeping with my personal ethic to use recycled materials whenever possible, I made the 2 back panels out of linen from recycled garments using an ancient Korean sewing technique called bojagi/pojagi. The technique leaves no raw seams and when bac-klit, looks much like a stained-glass window. The front panels carry the imagery of the grapevine, also made from re-used linen, and embroidered to a sheer non-woven fabric. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1644511663268-FR4OI2K034WS4PN8MZQB/image.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - Bus Shelter Design https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1597975517313-6WHRHTVNIXVW3AHMB8L3/IMG_E3396.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "I am the vine and you are the branches." Panel 2 This is a view of the second half of the art installation. The top layer completes the grapevine imagery that flows from the first panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598392202097-PATQC7R714WKMB7FGYY5/IMG_3442+%281%29.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "I am the vine and you are the branches." Back Panel This image shows one of the two back bojagi/pojagi linen panels (84 x 52”). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598458278226-ROUNAQZDPM54RE1XQP6X/image-asset.jpeg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "I am the vine and you are the branches" Alternate view One of the beauties of this layered work is that it looks different from nearly every point in the room. For example this is how it might look to a toddler who is looking up at it from a close angle. Likewise the art changes all throughout the day, depending on when the light is coming directly, indirectly, or not at all from the window behind the work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1597948371026-FY6N7SRHMVO580WPSR2N/IMG_8857.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" This 4-layered art quilt was created in response to an invitation from the NC Museum of History to myself and two other artists, to create a quilt in response to the quilts on display in their 2020 year-long exhibition, “QuiltSPEAK: Uncovering Women’s Voices Through Quilts.” The exhibition of some 80 quilts from the permanent collection reveals the voices of women long-silenced. Their quilts provide lasting records of life events, economy, style, status symbols and artistry. I chose to pay homage to these phenomenal quilts with a creation that acknowledged the past and present. I began with a hand-sewn quilt top made from left-over bits of cotton clothing, given to me as a high school graduation present. Lovingly made by the Eunice, the African-American woman who helped my mother out with ironing every few weeks, I had been saving it for more than 40 years, and this seemed like a fitting way to honor her gracious gift. Layered over the quilt top I embroidered minimally deconstructed women’s blouses, made from polyester burn-out fabrics, that allowed the quilt top to show through. I chose these garments, gleaned from thrift shops and my own closet, because they represent the opposite of the soft, natural fabrics used in the quilt base. These polyester garments that are now filling up our landfills at alarming rates due to mass consumption and the availability of cheap, poorly made fast fashion garments represent the opposite of thrift. I wanted to convey how quickly these garments are purchased, worn briefly, and often thrown out when something as simple as a button falls off or they are no longer in style. I left the sleeves dangling as if these garment had been thrown on a bed or piled on the floor—devalued by their owner. The border and backing fabrics were made from one of my wool skirts and an old throw. Only the thread and the interior batting were purchased. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1597948419023-7YXA3ZIWA66ETTKGJNIU/IMG_8860.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" Detail View This view shows how the shirt sleeves hang freely from the quilt when it is displayed as art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1597948469297-NGWAEDE2657HFFCDX0IJ/IMG_8869.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" Detail 2 Here you can see how the polyester shirt panels have been layered over the old hand-pieced quilt top. The burn-out sections of the polyester fabrics allow the design of the quilt top to shine through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1597948590051-S8XA1KII4YUQI114PCEC/IMG_4635.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Thrift to Grift to Graft" Art in Progress at the NC Museum of History Here I am doing some final hand-sewing on the art quilt to attach a sleeve on the top back edge, so that the quilt can be displayed in exhibitions. As I worked in the lobby of the museum, I engaged with visitors who were curious about what I was making and why I was making it in such an unusual way. I particularly had fun talking with middle-school aged kids who were typically more aware of the environmental problems associated with clothing than their parents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1644275568933-RFAP2XSOR9T7620OLHUW/image.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - City of Raleigh Bus Stop Design Using my artwork, “Passages: Shedding the Old, Creating the New” Installed in 2022, I created this design from two prints I made in 2021 from a deconstructed blouse printed on paper. I wanted to offer bus riders something to enjoy while they wait for their bus. The imagery was inspired by nature’s cycle of life from birth to death in the form of a tree. These pieces are also shown as part of my Fast Fashion Fiasco Exhibition. You will find the bus stop at the corner of Poole Road and Rawls Drive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598391704190-95L307IQ66DYCBPJZAOT/IMG_E8549.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Wedding Stole: Grandmother to Mother to Daughter" Detail The visual focal point for the stole is the two crosses, created by layering sections of the heavily beaded lace and satin over plain satin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598391626255-3KQ60YWWUDJ1L0H1BWQ6/IMG_E8550.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Wedding Stole: Grandmother to Mother to Daughter" Commissioned by a bride-to-be for her sister, a Methodist Minister, to wear at her wedding, as she served as the officiant. This special stole was created from their mother’s wedding dress, which had been handmade by her mother. This this stole connected three generations of women in their family. I first sketched some possible designs for the stole to be reviewed by the bride. I then created a pattern so the stole would properly fit the minister and be the right proportion to suit her and the dress she planned to wear for the occasion. I sought to use as many of the decorative elements as possible from the wedding dress, including pin tucks, hand-decorated lace with small pearls and sequins, and even the cuffs from the original dress. The simple cross form served as the primary focal point of the white on white stole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598391747013-M466X8E46JFMIVIJXF49/IMG_E8531.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Wedding Stole: Grandmother to Mother to Daughter" The wedding stole modeled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598458020199-FN26LTZGINYH88M0WKEY/IMG_3392%2B%25281%2529.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598392035602-8WT4UQJA4R7XKF0QBETT/Gov+Hunt+%282%29.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Engage" This work was commissioned by the Public School Forum of NC as an award to (former) Governor James B. and Carolyn Hunt for their support of NC education, in collaboration with the Institute for Emerging Issues (IEI) at NC State University. Governor Hunt is known locally and nationally as ‘the Education Governor,’ because of his life-long commitment to public education and service to the state of North Carolina. The IEI was founded by Governor Hunt more than two decades ago and he remains active in its work. Created from hosiery and cradled boards, the textile art hangs in the main lobby entry to the Institute, now part of the James B. Hunt Library, an international award-winning building on the Centennial Campus of NC State University. Governor Hunt was instrumental in the gift of land to the university which became the Centennial Campus, providing it with countless opportunities for collaboration between the public land-grant university’s cutting-edge research and the private sector. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598391978982-83S8CPY0TQFG5PMOZUTR/Hunt+award.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Emerge" On-site photo of the commissioned artwork in the entry lobby to the IEI (Institute for Emerging Issues) in the James B. Hunt Library, Centennial Campus, NC State University. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598392001514-J12VAAEITIGB1PCLMRSM/Harrison+Library.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Remembering the Harris Library, Raleigh's First Public "Colored" Library on Blount Street" Commissioned by the City of Raleigh, NC Arts, this banner is one of ten created by Raleigh-based artists as part of the ”Art Along Blount Street ,” program. Each banner called attention to an historic building, business, school, or community that was/is part of a thriving African-American-focused section of downtown Raleigh. Other Raleigh agencies, like the DHC (Downtown Housing Community) did historic research on the area, documenting the current and former locations of AA built, owned, or developed institutions. An App was created to allow visitors to the historic section of Blount Street to learn more about each of the sites featured on the 10 stops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598392103271-0S4IP2JTII7CVMANPZJL/bus+one.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Micro/Macro" Commissioned by the City of Raleigh, NC, I based the digital design of this Go Raleigh bus, part of the new non-gasoline powered vehicles, on my original fiber art. I created the inspiration work by stretching three layers of hosiery over cradled boards and burning them to create flowing patterns. I titled the original work, “Hambidge Meadow,” because it was inspired by the vibrant green meadow in front of my home/studio during an artists residency at the Hambidge Center in northwest Georgia. Apporoximately 18 x 24,’ I blew up the original by a scale of 4 verrtically and then carefully connected the horizontal sections together in Photoshop. The much larger scale show each of the small fibers in the hosiery yarn, that spun and then knitted together create a very strong, but sheer garment. I think there are parallels in our ecosystem. The green in the hosiery is also a reference to the “more green” mode of transportation (versus the old city buses). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598457268956-F8ZOCFOXZZX3TFW8V1ZK/Corp+install+%282%29.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations Commissioned by Capital Development for their 27 story Two Hannover Building in the heart of downtown Raleigh. Two fiber works, made from hosiery, paint and cradled boards, greet visitors from the Fayetteville Street entrance. The open two-story lobby has high-end, hard surfaces of tile, limestone, marble and steel. My goal was to offer a counter-balance with the use of soft materials that mirrored the geometry of the hardscape, but also offered some soft curvilinear imagery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598457560421-6C1OD6H686WZWCLXE67A/Personify+wall.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - Eighteen Tales This fiber piece, made from hosiery, paint, and cradled boards is in the headquarters of Personify, an international recruitment and personnel search firm based in Raleigh, NC. This is one of several open gathering spots where employees can have a quiet conversation, eat their lunch or enjoy their coffee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1598715383158-4B0C2GQO9QA34T829EP0/Urban+Landacape+9a%3Db.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - Urbanscape This pastel diptych was commissioned for the entrance lobby to FMI Corporation, an international management consultant firm to the construction industry and the largest provider of mergers and acquisition services. This piece is in The Dillon, a two and one-half block, 18-story multipurpose building in the historic warehouse district of downtown Raleigh. It is home to corporate offices, restaurants and retail, and luxury apartments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1599326648299-G22IPP28IWM6FZMSOMEV/Wolfter+pre+paint+hi+res.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Sir Wolfter Raleigh" process shot This image of Sir Wolfter illustrates how he looked after I added the ruff around his neck and the beard under his chin, prior to painting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1599326680003-Y9ZY3APIAW2ICJDWVJTF/Wolfter+finish+hires.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Sir Wolfter Raleigh" Here I am shown putting the finishing touches on the paint job. All that remained was the addition of his sword and his shoe buckles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1599327906014-TMGQ0H835X5JDL1XD5Q7/SirWolfMOH.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Sir Wolfter Raleigh" Sir Wolfter (and me) standing in his permanent location, at the entry to the NC Museum of History in Raleigh, NC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1599326606946-E90T4QX27LAZB7M4IMS3/Wolfter+side+hi+res.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - "Sir Wolfter Raleigh" This was my first public art commission. Sir Wolfter Raleigh was one of about 100 wolves created by artists in Raleigh. Artists were invited to submit proposals and sketches for a proposed wolf, not unlike other major cities in the US. The “red” wolf was chosen because it was an endangered species that the department of natural resources was working to revive, and the wolf is the mascot for NC State University, the largest university in North Carolina. I chose to focus my wolf on the character of Sir Walter Raleigh because some historians believe that he may have been the regaled Shakespeare writer, whose identity was never fully verified. It seemed befitting that such a wolf would be located in front of the student theatre at NC State, and thus the art department at the University chose to sponsor him. Alas, after the wolf was toppled from his concrete base after too many boisterous student riders, the sculpture was temporarily moved indoors in front of the box office. S Several years later the sculpture was purchased by the NC Museum of History where he now greets visitors to the museum. He is a common prop for visiting student groups to surround for their class outing photograph. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1597973279949-Q1SWBE3R3T4Z9YVKXVWV/IMG_E3480.JPG Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - I am the vine, you are the branches. Half of a commissioned art installation for First Baptist Church, Greensboro, NC. The linen fabric was all repurposed from deconstructed garments and pieced together using an ancient South Korean technique called pojagi or bojagi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1675533755877-QWGAAT5HNQFO92HMLSXM/image-asset.jpg Public Art, Commissions and Collaborations - Out of the Blue (1) This mixed media piece was inspired by the purple and bright orange colors in a garment photograph placed in the upper right hand of the page and grew from there. I hope the soothing blues and purples will offer a sense of calm to patients waiting to be seen by an oncologist at the new Rex Health Cancer Center in Raleigh, NC. https://www.jwkingart.com/mixed-media daily 0.75 2025-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1c74c79e-4f98-4968-92ed-ef6523da0ad4/baby+gown+detail.jpg Mixed Media - Make it stand out Family Christening Gown: Passed down for Generations (detail) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602117060425-QUT4VXR74IBI2SLX157D/CottonandClay.jpg Mixed Media - Cotton and Clay 2020 ink and recycled garments on paper 40 x 48” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602118065727-71DW5LL2SZZNWW56HA9O/Letthearpronstringsbereleased.jpg Mixed Media - Freed from the apron strings! 2020 ink on paper with recycled garment parts 30 x 50” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602118900316-MKVVIQROH0Q6XBW8ZW5F/IMG_4386%2B%25282%2529.jpg Mixed Media - Double Vision in Red 2020 ink on paper 30 x 48” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601936189184-WNGP2Z98E44YUMYVH1YX/IMG_8743+%282%29.JPG Mixed Media - Plan View of a Summer Chemise 2020 ink on paper 28 x 60” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601936421288-2GPZ1MTBXZQHZ07OG9UF/Seasonssmall.jpg Mixed Media - Seasonal Stories 2020 ink on paper 56 x 48” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602117438176-46GBWQSNIN3FSSJKCZY5/Do%2BYou%2BKnow.jpg Mixed Media - Do you know who made your clothes? 2018 ink, hand sewing, machine stitching, and hole punching on paper 44x 52” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601936009928-33ZPWQHNTAAOFQXS529L/Do+you+know+detail+%282%29.jpg Mixed Media - Detail from Do you know who made your clothes? This detail shows the paisley design created by punching holes from the back of the paper. The paisley (mango) shape is a symbol of wealth and fertility. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601936115881-ZTTW8GQMDMFKNYVPNG85/IMG_8715+%282%29.JPG Mixed Media - Bed Jacket Blues 2020 ink on paper 26 x 22” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602189346313-PWVHUVYM1LHG0ZPNHDXZ/IMG_8752%252B%2525282%252529.jpg Mixed Media - Mary Lib's Chemise, 1942 2020 ink on paper 30 x 50” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602190721144-RB4XDL1FATPBTBHVET7E/Blousonlarge.jpg Mixed Media - Blouson 2020 38 x 28” ink print on paper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601936090637-S52ZA8PRSM3C6DPVAJY8/IMG_8713.JPG Mixed Media - Doily Dabbling 2020 ink on paper 26 x 26” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602191094376-BRH2LFU0B70V9XJ0A37A/IMG_2289.jpg Mixed Media - Turkish Tale One 2019 ink on paper 36 x 26” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602191260922-ZY78VKD26IISMIAD9FJC/IMG_2320.jpg Mixed Media - Turkish Tale Two 2019 ink and printed garment fragment on paper 34 x 26” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601935940574-E299VZ1EOC3UNZH2UJ3W/TwoSides.jpg Mixed Media - There are at least 2 sides to every shirt(tale). 2019 ink and thread, hand and machine stitching on paper 32 x 28” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601935960411-9J9MZZ2LLN5990IEIEPP/SkirtStory.jpg Mixed Media - Skirt Story 2020 ink and reused skirt panel on paper 32 x 30” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1601935980815-QUQINIIV24NTOS6QBN5I/ShesComeUndone.jpg Mixed Media - She's coming undone! 2020 ink on paper 34 x 26” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602189682371-H9CF9K0ASZS1SET9MJXQ/IMG_3944.jpg Mixed Media - Why do fast fashion jeans need rivets? 2017 ink thread and rivets on paper 50 x 50” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602189869398-B8FIY9Z39RYB2SSSLATK/IMG_3941.jpg Mixed Media - Jeans Geology 2017 ink and thread on paper 40 x 30” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1602191496972-4TGH6MCX04A3RXU6OKCL/sleeves%2B2.jpg Mixed Media - A Salute to Sleeves 2019 ink on paper 26 x 40” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1756675495732-3TQ62US81EB2K356CYVH/Christen3.jpg Mixed Media - Make it stand out Family Christening Gown: Passed down for Generations 2025 35” x 25” https://www.jwkingart.com/contact daily 0.75 2024-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1510167750861-YI42962RM71KT0RZHNVI/Joyce+200+x200.jpg About/Contact Me https://www.jwkingart.com/bioexhibitions-and-awards daily 0.75 2025-09-01 https://www.jwkingart.com/current-and-upcoming-events-and-exhibitions daily 0.75 2025-09-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5a011cb7e5dd5b85369a106c/1562624543800-7Q2IZ60GVYVKVP44N9XW/IMG_E2275.JPG Current and Upcoming Events and Exhibitions https://www.jwkingart.com/read-me-wells daily 0.75 2025-05-08 https://www.jwkingart.com/artful-threadz daily 0.75 2022-11-09