Approaching Equinox: Plundering Joy (95x109cm), the latest in my Forza Vitale series, is currently on exhibition at Yarra Ranges Regional Museum as part of Art Quilt Australia 2025. This is a deeply personal work and I want to share some of the backstory.
The Backstory
My beloved husband, aka the Laundry King, died from glioblastoma – an aggressive, infiltrative brain tumour. The trajectory of his illness tracked the movement of the sun. He was first diagnosed around autumn equinox in March 2023 and his health and well-being deteriorated rapidly. With winter solstice, we turned towards the sun and the chemotherapy also kicked in. His mobility and cognition improved and he was able to return to some of the activities he loved including swimming and laying on the beach. Spring equinox brought a promising MRI scan showing dramatic tumour shrinkage but by summer solstice we knew that the tumour was back with a vengeance. From there, it was a precipitous decline full of heartache but also a profound affirmation of life and understanding of the beauty of impermanence. As I say in my artist statement for Approaching Equinox:
Death beckoned on the horizon. It wouldn’t go away. As the days got shorter, the sunrises intensified. We embraced each other even stronger. Plundering joy.
The Laundry King died within a year of diagnosis and I spent the weekend of autumn equinox 2024 surrounded by family and friends celebrating a life well-lived. Approaching Equinox: Plundering Joy is inspired by the sunrise on the first anniversary of his death.
Hurting and Healing Concurrently
I haven’t had much bandwidth for making in the past year or so. I can testify that grief takes energy – not just emotionally but physically. A visceral deep-in-your-bones ache as your body is working overtime adjusting to the new normal. Even simple things sometimes seem monumental but I am not broken. I am becoming. I am rebuilding. Grief leaves an imprint on the palimpsest of life. It reshapes. There is still beauty ahead.
As it happened, this artwork came together surprisingly quickly. I made the finishing touches around autumn equinox 2025. I was thrilled to be juried into Art Quilt Australia 2025 and to be able to attend the exhibition opening on 12 July. Here is an installation image. Also pictured are: Safety Net: Comfort Blanket #7 by Margery Goodall and Danger Garden by Bronwyn Cant.
Exhibition Details: Plan an Art Excursion!
Art Quilt Australia 2025 including Expressions: The Wool Quilt Prize is presented by Ozquilt Network and continues on exhibition at the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum 35-37 Castella Street, Lilydale, Victoria until Sunday 12 October 2025. The museum is open Wednesday – Sunday 10am – 4pm. Free entry.
A comprehensive online gallery is on the Ozquilt Network website and a 28-page catalogue is available for purchase.
Skye says
Sending tender thoughts. Such a special work, and you sure captured the magic of that sunrise one year on.
And thank you for adding palimpsest to my vocab.
Brenda Gael Smith says
The sunrise sky is like a palimpsest too!
Aileen Kennedy says
What a beautiful reflection on your loss and grief. So beautifully written and moving. And a glorious quilt to mark that trajectory. Thank you for expressing that so profoundly.
Del Thomas says
That is a lovely reflection of your love. Although I have learned to live without my Floyd, even after 35 years it is still painful. I am okay with being alone, no one else can take his place. Hope you can find some joy in your future. Sending love and care. Del
Wendy Ward says
Thank you so much for sharing your journey in grief. Your vulnerability and courage to share is inspiring and resonates deeply. What an achingly beautiful piece you have created reflecting this time of your life
Elizabeth Mikellides says
Thank you for sharing such a personal backstory for ‘Approaching Equinox’. I can not imagine what you have been through this past year but you have turned your heartache into something so beautiful and everlasting – a true testament to Love!
Brenda Gael Smith says
It is crazy to think that I bought your Dare to Dream artwork shortly before the LK’s diagnosis. It seems a lifetime ago! The meaning of that work is more relevant than ever. Thank you.
Suzanne Laird says
Your capacity to share such a profound experience is breathtaking and highlights your resilience, and more importantly the deep love you shared with your Laundry King.
Rebecca from NZ says
Such a beautiful piece, and one that shows the depth of your work but also your love. Sending much aroha to you x
Michelle Law says
Your words share so much hurt and yet strength at the same time. Thank you so much for sharing the story behind this quilt. And your quilt is a truly spectacular rendition of that gorgeous sunrise which commemorated your husband.
Marianne says
Parcours difficile, et quel beau quilt
Marjorie Elliott says
Brenda, your writing about the energy that grief takes was very meaningful to me. I lost my partner 7.5 years ago to cancer, but his illness took 12 years. It was such a long struggle to live with cancer while also dying of it. I remember being exhausted after he passed, as you said it’s bone deep and you wonder how you were getting through the days. After a time, I did notice myself “coming back” and starting to take some pleasure in life again. I am sure you are also experiencing that. It’s a profound thing, losing a beloved partner, but also to go on living, even happily.
I wish you happiness and peace in the future.
Nancy Klatt says
Brenda the quilt is stunning. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability and grief through sharing the backstory. God bless you and bring you strength and comfort.