I created this quilt for an exhibit of artists who are members of my congregation.  The theme was “Finding the Extraordinary in the Everyday.”  I was inspired by this theme to think about all that I take for granted.

We breathe in and out, on average, about 22,000 times each day.  While it is possible to control and use our breathing, we usually don’t think about it, because most of the time, it is involuntary.  However, if ever we are deprived of breath, we become instantly aware of how essential and miraculous it is to be able to breathe.

In many origin stories, it is through breath that humans are created and become living beings.  It is breath that maintains our connection to the sacred through song, prayer, speech, and meditation.  Because it is essential to life, that we breathe can be considered the greatest gift.

This quilt is made from commercial cotton fabric, pieced and appliqued.