My map details a recent trip to New Mexico to visit my childhood friend in Albuquerque. This journey lead me to two quilts. We enjoyed the balloon festival, fabulous food, the art museum, the Indian Cultural Center, shopping and a scenic train ride. The highlight was visiting El Santuario de Chimayo in Chimayo, NM, which was built in 1816. It has a sacred atmosphere and the tradition of soil with healing power. The back wall of the sanctuary has crutches and braces left behind and pictures of people testifying to cures. There are lots of handmade white crosses placed in the surrounding ground. I took a photo of some sunflowers placed there which I transferred to fabric and made into 2 quilts. One was sold at a solo show and one became a gift for our host and hostess. I have so many photos from this trip that are future quilts. There is a certain richness to the culture with all the patterns and colors used that speaks to my heart and my art making.
Sue Lewis Art 