Every time it is a challenge, to find a nice concept for a new theme.  This time it almost went without any problem for me.

That requires explanation.

We have connections with people all over the world. It goes without saying that we help each other, where possible. When people are driven out, by war, famine or other disasters, we as fellow human beings are obliged to help.

Now many people come  to the Netherlands every year  to apply for asylum. In 2022 there were more than 45.000 and this year there will be 70.000 people expected. All these people are taken care of in Ter Apel, a small place close to my house. This has caused major problems in the past. The application for asylum is a lengthy procedure. The administration is slow due to lack of staff. The problem is getting bigger and bigger. Partly because the Netherlands has taken care of many people because of the Ukraine war.

The flow is stagnating. 

So it happens that people regularly have to sleep outside. Something that we do not know in our country. A distressing situation. The government is trying to do everything it can to solve this problem  . But it doesn’t work, because people keep coming. 

How hospitable are we in the Netherlands?

What can we do to prevent this problems?

Doesn’t every human being has the right to a peaceful existence?

I had to deal with this big theme. The images, which come in via social media, are burned into my mind. So the execution almost goes by itself. I sewed vlisco fabrics together and then I put them in a blue paint bath. Then I made the composition and with discharge I discolored the butterflies. After quilting, the sleeping bags are appliqued. 

It was a need for me to work on this theme. It doesn’t solve the problem, but I’ve brought it to my attention and that’s a good feeling.

Dimensions: 39.5h ” x 39.5w”

Technique: machine pieced and quilted, discharge butterfly, hand application

Material: vlisco fabric, wol, organza, polyester, cotton