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ARTIST STATEMENT

Michelle Trachtman

Fleur was a labor of love! She started life as a white horse that was

made over 15 years ago. With this semesters theme of Wildflowers,

called to me to finish her. Working on her reminded me of the late
Barbara Graff who created her pattern. She was with me throughout

the process of converting her from a plain white horse to the colorful

beauty she is now.

Fleur is covered in a variety of cotton flowered fabrics, each of which is

hand sewn to her body. She was sewn with visible stitching to help to

slow down the process making each stitch a prayer.

Fleur was created without a face, to represent a universal figure that

transcends individuality. Fleur symbolizes the collective beauty which

emphasizes the idea of shared experiences and emotions that go beyond
specific individual beings. By having no face, she leaves room for the

viewers imagination to fill in the missing details.

Fleur presented many obstacles in bringing her to life, but I am

delighted with the way she turned out. Perseverance won out this time!