36 x 48 inches
Hand dyed fabric and beads
In Collaboration with Gavin Dehnert, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant & Water Resources Institutes

Beneath the Surface depicts indigenous resources such as manoomin or wild rice, muskie, walleye and maple syrup. Gavin Dehnert works closely with Tribal leaders from the Bad River Band in North Wisconsin and Minnesota to conduct research informed by their needs and values. Although I am not indigenous, as collaborators we worked to create a piece that was culturally conscious and brought in Native perspectives.

In the piece, beads represent Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are also known as ‘forever chemicals’ which can be harmful to human health. Within the piece, the density and variety of beads represent bioaccumulation of PFAS through the food web and the many forms PFAS exists in. I initially struggled with how to depict something that is invisible to the naked eye, however I found inspiration in through the dynamic nature of collage quilting. I am inspired by the many generations of quilters, including within my own family, and how this medium can be used to tell stories. Although little is known about PFAS, research that is guided by the needs of communities can help us answer important culturally relevant questions.