Artist Name: Iris Sonnenschein

Violin Title: The Nature of Music

Inspiration: As a mother, quilter and lapsed violinist, I see no delineation between healing, art, and music; each is nourished by at least one other.  For me, Victor Hugo's quote epitomizes music's place in healing both body and soul. I believe you can substitute the word "art" for  "music" and still have the quote resonate - which makes it all the more meaningful

BIO:  Iris Sonnenschein is a self-taught textile artist.  She began quilting 19 years ago with a group of new friends who got together every month to learn traditional techniques and designs.  While the group still meets monthly to provide artistic support and encouragement, Iris has moved away from traditional quilting towards a more personalized and abstract form, focusing on art quilts and Judaica.  "I find inspiration in nature, music and works of art, and I love combining textures and colors to evoke a general sense of place, as opposed to a particular object.  The idea of creating a piece of art that can be touched, and can reflect a mood or a moment, feeds my creative energies; working with clients to create art that speaks uniquely to them, feeds my spirit." Sonnenschein’s work can be seen in area Open Studios and at installations in Children's Hospital Boston, CHB Weymouth, UMass Memorial Medical Center, and L'Attitude Gallery on Newbury Street.  Recently, Iris was selected to create 2  quilts for Children's Hospital Boston's Kent Street Family Housing.

To view more of her work, visit www.irisquilts.com.