Stretching Art and Tradition

Artist: Susan Heydt

On April 20, 1961, President Kennedy sent a memo to Vice President Lyndon Johnson, demanding answers regarding the future of space exploration. Eight days prior, the Russians had successfully launched Yuri Gagarin into space, leaving the Americans feeling defeated. The world, for some Americans, had been turned upside down. 1961was the only year in the 20th century that can be numerically turned Topsy Turvy and remain the same, right side up or upside down. The memo from JFK to LBJ became a call for action, restating America's desire to focus on achieving greatness, righting “the world in a very short time”. Fabric paint and inkjet transfer techniques are used to add depth and understanding to this right-side-up-side- down quilt.

© 2015 Susan Heydt