Page 44 - The Enso Circle Continuing Residents, Exhibition Catalog, Spring 2023

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!

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