I have always felt that dreaming is a different state of being, one we cannot control, where our body and mind tell us the story, rather than our conscious mind stating the facts to our conscious self. For that reason, I’m interested in the circumstances that promote dreams for me.
I’m a grandma these days so I don’t discuss or admit to the use of any mind-altering substances that may (or may not) have been (allegedly) in my orbit (briefly) in the 1970’s, but I certainly enjoyed the psychedelic music and art of the era with its dreamlike-state inducing rhythms. Likewise, there is an anti-smoking cure available these days that both works surprisingly well and promotes very weird and vivid dreams for some users. I gave up smoking with the help of the drug and I had amazing dreams while I was on it.
Another situation that seems to produce some fairly ‘out of this world’ dreams is the migraine. As a lifetime sufferer who has found relief in my older age (probably due to estrogen changes), I have found that the lead up, actual suffering of a migraine, and recovery from a migraine can show different dream-like states. These may take the form of a working trance where normal daily activity still occurs; the visual or sensory aura that acts as a precursor to the pain; or the unreality of the state of mind after the pain has passed.
My quilt is a representation of the aura I would “see” as my migraine developed. When I was a small child, I recall we would make tinsel for our Christmas tree each year from colored paper. We especially liked when we had gold or silver paper and we would fold it into chains for tinsel. I had to do some research to remember how to make them.
In my 20’s, the migraines started and the aura was like a floating strip of tinsel curling and bunching and drifting across my vision. Along with the aura came an out of body feeling and quite vivid imaginings. The migraines were stronger when the weather was still, humid and heavy, a summer thunderstorm approaching, tension in the air as if the lightning was waiting to strike nearby.
I always felt that migraines, weather and dreams are associated with each other and am not surprised to wake up after a headache with memories of a vivid dream and sweaty, messed up bedding, the smell of tropical blossoms and the feeling of resting on a warm beach.
Completed: January 2026
Dimensions: 1010mm H X 1110mm W
Materials: Commercial printed cottons; vintage cotton fabrics; vintage wool; vintage stretch dress (size 6); recycled rip-stop nylon; commercial threads.
Techniques: Pieced background, bonded applique hibiscus flowers.
How did I miss your post before? Our warning auras are similar, and I’ve drawn mine, but never thought to make a quilt from it. Yours is prettier than mine though, so that’s probably for the best. The first time it happened, I had no idea what it was and was thrilled for the strobe light colored and checkerboard expanding hallucination. My brain showing me an art show from nothing? Awesome! Until it wasn’t and I went blind while driving. I am glad to hear you’ve experienced relief from these debilitating episodes. I hope you’ll never have another. Your quilt is truly beautiful.
Christie, I too hope your dancing with the migraine is relieved soon. I think the beauty comes, not from the actual visual aura, but from how we each interpret things. I tried to bring into play the feeling of relief when it was past, but maybe it was just the positive effects of the powerful painkillers! Thank you for the comment – I am surprised that so many people have been touched by this quilt.
It’s amazing and wonderful how you’ve transformed the pain of a headache into such powerful and beautiful art!
Perfect visual interpretation of the migraine aura and the elevated states of the 70’s. You describe the aura very succinctly! Thankfully the migraine is an infrequent visitor as I get older. Brilliant use of color and movement Bronwyn!
Wow. I’ve never had a migraine headache but I do understand the aura precursor. I once experienced an ocular migraine, which was strange enough that I asked my Optometrist about it. He knew exactly what it was, and said that he gets them too. They don’t necessarily mean you are going to start experiencing migraines. I’m sorry you suffer from them, but amazed you could turn it into art so well.
Stunned by the beauty of your art, Bronwyn, I sit with the migraine almost daily now… but there is a story with each day. I do wonder on, and see your beauty here…
I’m so sorry that you now have frequent migraines Bethany. I cannot offer you any relief, but I hope that you are able to manage them and retain your creativity.
Even if your quilt is beautiful red , it’s the product of a migrain, so please take care of it.
This is beautiful! I do like a red ,yellow and black combo! Perfect colours to describe a migraine!
Love it!
Strong colours for a strong experience. Also bright and flamboyant, which I love.