Artwork copyright Wendy Huhn. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Wendy Huhn. Photo courtesy of Washington State Arts Commission, 2017.

Industrial Strength, 1996

Wendy Huhn
American (born 1953)

Location: Republic Elementary-Junior-Senior High School, Republic

About the Artwork

Artist Wendy Huhn created the quilt Industrial Strength for an exhibition of northwest design craftsmen titled "Hats, Shoes, and Gloves." This piece tells the story of how she transfers images onto fabric in her artworks. She notes, "When I teach transfers techniques one method that I use is solvent transfer to fabric. While this is a very effective method the chemicals are toxic and safety precautions must be followed. My safety lecture begins with me suiting up in chemical safety garb- eye glasses, rubber apron, respirator and industrial chemical gloves, which look like Mickey Mouse hands. Since those gloves are a big part of my working life this seemed the appropriate time to use them in a starring role. Now when I give my safety lecture I show slides of Industrial Strength in the background."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Republic School District.

About the Artist

Oregon-based artist Wendy Huhn creates mixed media textile artworks. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, she attended the University of Oregon, Eugene where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree. Her body of work features imaginative and humorous imagery, created using image transfers, stencils, and applique.