Amy Pabst’s “Ties to West Virginia” Mural at Hattie and Nan’s

Amy said that she had a plan in mind when she approached the project, inspired by the West Virginia Star traditional quilt block pattern, adding that she would love to see West Virginia Star murals across the state. She shared that her color palette changed after talking more with Joanna Sexton, owner of Hattie and Nan’s Antiques. “Joanna had a very special quilt that was made from her husband Peter’s neckties after he passed,” Amy shared. “The quilt was red, black, and gold, and featured many small patterns typical of neckties, like dots, stripes, and paisleys.” Amy also said that in her quilt making, the use of stripes is kind of her signature, so adding the black-and-white striped diamonds was her personal touch to the final design. 

Amy said that she had a longtime impression that mural painting was a “solitary artist high on scaffolding, painstakingly painting on the side of a building,” but was excited to learn about mural cloth (polytab), and felt like it was just another form of fiber art. Amy also shared that flexibility and the ability to pivot are both crucial requirements for art-making. “When installation started, I had to change directions because of the brick surface of the building,” Amy shared. “I learned that sometimes you can be totally prepared to do things a certain way, and then you have to completely change course and come up with a new plan,” she added, sharing that she’s so grateful for everyone who helped her pivot.