Nature Quilts

As an artist, Saralee DaPonte ’20 (Fine Arts Studio; now Studio Arts) focuses on creating quilts inspired by natural scenery. 

“I quilt because I believe in expressing true beauty to the audience with a sense of sophistication, serenity and exquisiteness,” DaPonte said. “I intend to provide the audience with a sense of quietness and calmness that I experience surrounded by nature. My simple perspective of a landscape applies to the way I design quilts.

“My quilt designs are composed of simplified forms and patterns. The threads, fabrics and batting all are made from organic materials such as wool, cotton or linen. Quiltings and nature are connected. They represent warmness and can alleviate stress by immersing yourself in nature or surrounding yourself with a quilt, daily. Experiencing a warm breeze while watching a vivid sunset can be relived by admiring a sunset quilt and remembering the outdoor sensations as you wrap the quilt around you.”