Only 8 1/2 of Many Millions

I live near San Diego where stories regarding Hispanic immigrants swirl daily. One particularly struck my heart: the attack on three busloads of immigrant children by local adults. I was overwhelmed by how many people from hugely varying groups have moved from place to place, forced or choosing to find safer homes with more opportunity. In fact, I was drowning in the numbers and diversity until I came up with the image of columns of feet moving forward. I wanted them to be anonymous, but as they appeared on the quilt, hints of character and their backgrounds came with them.

My research also led me to the great 1930s migration artist Jacob Lawrence. The eyes in my piece are a nod to his powerful work.