Meet Sarah Blanchette, an artist partner and multidisciplinary creator whose work spans from precise photography to luscious hand stitched textiles.
Her artistic practice unfolds in two intertwined veins: one exploring the “Fragmented Woman,” a duality formed from the tension between her real-life identity and digital persona, and the other examining her place within her family’s timeline, seeking to understand how their lives shape her own. By manipulating imagery from personal archives—self-portraits, family photos, and social media—this Metro Detroit artist uses fabrics like silk, velvet, and oilcloth to reconstruct these fragmented identities. Her work is a reflective process, addressing the complexities of identity, lineage, and memory through tactile, primarily hand-sewn artworks that seek to bridge the gap between self and history. Each piece becomes a meditation on personal transformation, memory preservation, and the search for continuity in a rapidly shifting world.
A LOOK INSIDE THE ARTIST’S STUDIO
What inspires you to make art? Can you walk us through the process?
“My art is deeply inspired by the interplay of memory, identity, and family history. I’m driven by the desire to explore the connections between past and present, particularly through my family’s stories and my place within that lineage. Working with fabrics and imagery, I aim to bridge the gap between the fragments of who I am in real life and the digital world, as well as to honor the lives that have shaped my own. The tactile nature of working with fabric allows me to physically engage with these themes, making each piece a meditative journey through memory, transformation, and continuity.”
Who or what influences your style?
“My style is influenced by a blend of personal history, photography, and the tactile qualities of fabric. Growing up surrounded by family stories and heirlooms has given me a deep appreciation for lineage and memory, which I incorporate through vintage-inspired textures and materials like silk and velvet. My background in photography also plays a significant role, as I often use personal archives—self-portraits, family photos, and social media images—layering these visuals to create pieces that reflect identity in fragments. Additionally, I’m influenced by the rich traditions of fiber art and quilting, but I aim to give them a modern edge, often exploring themes of self, digital presence, and the intersection of these identities. Together, these influences drive me to create work that is both introspective and visually intricate.”
Growing up surrounded by family stories and heirlooms has given me a deep appreciation for lineage and memory, which I incorporate through vintage-inspired textures and materials like silk and velvet.
Sum up your current art practice in one sentence.
“My current art practice explores identity, memory, and family history by merging personal photography with tactile fabrics, creating layered, hand-sewn pieces that reflect the fragments of self across time and digital space.”
Do you create spontaneously or are you a planner?
“I’d say I’m a mix of both a planner and a spontaneous creator. My pieces start with a clear vision and intent, often guided by concepts of memory or identity that I want to explore. I’ll carefully select materials, colors, and imagery that fit into this vision. But once I’m in the studio, I let myself be flexible and open to new ideas—sometimes a fabric will lead me in an unexpected direction, or I’ll layer elements in ways I hadn’t planned. This balance allows me to honor the core concept of each piece while leaving room for intuitive adjustments that add depth and nuance to the final work.”
List recent publications you and your work have been featured in.
2024, Art Quilting Studio – Winter Issue, Magazine, Print.
2024, Art Quilting Studio – Summer Issue, Magazine, Print.
2024, Patchwork Professional, Magazine, Print.
2022, Fiber Art Now – Fall 2022, Magazine, Print.
2021, Artist to Watch: Sarah C. Blanchette, Art Quilt Quarterly (#25) Magazine, Print.
2021, Conversations with the Artists: Intersect Chicago, Textile Talks, Web.
For more information on this artist or to schedule a Meet & Greet, contact Andrea.