Terri Potratz
Silent Key, 2024
The Morse code quilt harmonizes the essence of analog and digital technology, showcasing the timeless nature of human connection through diverse communication methods.
Hand-stitched into whole-cloth linen, the dits and dahs represent a form of communication that resonates through sound, line of sight, and touch. This quilt celebrates pattern recognition and the rhythm of thematic codes, including shorthand radio slang. Morse code, both archaic and nostalgic, bridges the tactile experience with the intangible world of digital communication.
The Morse code alphabet is stitched onto two separate quilt tops, creating no "wrong" side to the quilt. However, decoding the hidden messages requires contextual analysis to determine the "right" side, emphasizing the importance of experiential interpretation. This invites viewers to understand that meaningful communication transcends the mere transmission of information. It serves as a reminder that technology and humanity are not mutually exclusive but can coexist to deepen our ways of connecting.
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Terri Potratz is a writer and editor with a diverse portfolio spanning arts, culture, and lifestyle topics, with her published work appearing in a variety of print and digital publications. She is the founder of the Paper Covers Rock readers and writers festival on Salt Spring Island. Through her writing and editorial work, she aims to shine a light on the diverse tapestry of artists and creators that enrich our lives, empowering her audience to engage more deeply with the world around them.