I was one of those kids who grew up overseas because of my parent’s work. I wrote about growing up as a Third Culture Kid in a blog post earlier this month. https://clothincommon.com/third-culture-kid/

We lived in the Middle East and North Africa until I was about 12 then moved to NY. While I lost a more traditional childhood moving from one country to another, often feeling that I didn’t belong, leaving friends behind, and developing a deep-rooted desire for stability and a home base; I think my childhood experiences made me more understanding and open minded, kind hearted and accepting.

I have a wealth of memories scattered across continents and my life and home hold the imprints of multiple cultures. Someone commented that there is a huge world out there to enjoy and that exposure to different cultures makes us appreciate that wide world all the more.  Indeed!! This quilt is an abstract expression of the multitude of memories from my experience as a Third Culture Kid.

Lost and Found
Susan Lapham
Dimensions: 40″ x 32″
Material: Commercial and hand-dyed cotton solids
Technique: Improvisational design, machine pieced, longarm quilted