In this quilt, I use botanical illustrations as a base. The plants are not meant to be exact or scientific, for me they are imaginative. I think of them more as shapes, patterns, and symbols. I paint them in a way that feels balanced and calm.

Some elements repeat. Others stand alone. I like how this creates movement across the surface of the quilt design.

While working on this piece, I also started thinking about a new series of wall hangings I would like to make in the future. This series will be inspired by 17th-century Dutch flower still life paintings.

These paintings speak about time, beauty, and the passing of life. I was not planning to include this influence yet, but it became part of my thinking while I worked.

So this idea entered the quilt as well.

If you look closely in my sketchbook, you may notice sketches of small insects. These are important details.

In these 17th-century paintings of flower still life, insects were often used to remind viewers that life is temporary and that humans are part of nature. They were sometimes also used in a playful or humorous way. I like this combination.

These insects will be embroidered only at the end, once all the pieces are sewn together. They move across the quilt and connect different parts.

For me, they help tell a quiet story.