Quiltmaker’s Statement:
Working with the materials felt like a sacred act. Not beautiful in and of themselves, the cotton knit and denim reflect the sacrifice and embody the remnants of deceased immigrants’ dreams and hopes of a new life in “El Norte.” By virtue of being born in the U.S., most Americans never need to sacrifice for freedom and opportunity and may misunderstand or feel threatened by those who strive to join them. My intent was to make the harrowing journey tangible and real for others, like me, who were blessed to be Americans by birth. Through my choice of fabric and subject matter I tried to bridge the gap between viewer and the deceased and have the viewer see through the migrants’ eyes. (Verni Greenfield)