Anointed is second in my Three Sisters series inspired by the initiatory ceremony. It symbolizes to me the process women go through to understand the measure of their creation. When the theme for this exhibit was announced I was drawn to where those feelings of measuring and creation stem from for me. Some of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had with women have come from the intimate opportunities to participate in the temple initiatory ceremony. The blessings that are given in the initiatory have always felt empowering for me as a woman of faith. 

There is symbolism woven into Anointed. The different hues of the color red symbolize blood, sacrifice and the struggles that come into every aspect of the creation of another human. The two angled lines coming to a point above the circle to me represent strength, healing, home, family and support from other women. The angles of the quilting show the direction of where I find and receive inspiration. The twelve stripes down the center represent the access I have to power from above and how I internalize it to help support myself and others. The many french knots inside the circle represent all the many responsibilities, requirements, expectations and problems I think about, worry about and care for every day.

Pieced and appliqued fabrics with some hand stitching. This piece is part of a series on the relationship I have as a woman in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have explored in this piece the different ways I find myself evolving to feel connection with Heavenly Parents. Sanctified involves the many women in my life that have uplifted, strengthened, cared for me, struggled with feelings of acceptance and loneliness. And how I've strived to do that for others as well.

There is symbolism woven into Sanctified. The different hues of the color yellow symbolizes happiness, joy, energy, optimism, confidence, hope, and creativity. The two angled lines coming to a point above the circle represent strength, healing, home, family and support from the many women in my life on this earth and those beyond. The quilting mimics the bright stars of others supporting me as well as my inner creative and optimistic outlook and speaks to the mysticism I feel when reaching for heavenly strength. The twelve stripes down the center represent the access I have to power from above and how I internalize it to help support myself and others.