Quilted Pillow
Repurposed vintage cotton
Baldwin’s pillow takes its inspiration from the varied patterns and textures of oyster shells. Quilted from scraps of vintage cotton she has collected over decades, the pillow is an archive of memory and homage to the collective strength of oysters.
Like densely populated oyster reefs, the design suggests an ecosystem of support and resilience. The reverse side, dotted with pearl-like motifs and sealed shut with buttons, bring to mind the lustrous interior of an oyster shell.
Quilting, like the oyster bed, is an apt metaphor for home and the bonds of community. Shaped predominantly by women, who have passed down techniques, patterns, and stories across generations, the practice invokes cross-generational support and domestic rituals of mutual care.
About the Artist:
Carol Jean Baldwin, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA
With roots in rural Pennsylvania, Carol hails from a long line of women artisans, having been introduced to quilting by her great-grandmother. Now a master quilter, in addition to making custom quilts, Carol specializes in restoring and repairing antique American quilts.
Quilted Pillow
Repurposed vintage cotton
Baldwin’s pillow takes its inspiration from the varied patterns and textures of oyster shells. Quilted from scraps of vintage cotton she has collected over decades, the pillow is an archive of memory and homage to the collective strength of oysters.
Like densely populated oyster reefs, the design suggests an ecosystem of support and resilience. The reverse side, dotted with pearl-like motifs and sealed shut with buttons, bring to mind the lustrous interior of an oyster shell.
Quilting, like the oyster bed, is an apt metaphor for home and the bonds of community. Shaped predominantly by women, who have passed down techniques, patterns, and stories across generations, the practice invokes cross-generational support and domestic rituals of mutual care.
About the Artist:
Carol Jean Baldwin, North Adams, Massachusetts, USA
With roots in rural Pennsylvania, Carol hails from a long line of women artisans, having been introduced to quilting by her great-grandmother. Now a master quilter, in addition to making custom quilts, Carol specializes in restoring and repairing antique American quilts.
