photo by Mary Beth Koeth

photo by Mary Beth Koeth

Artist Statement

My practice explores American textile history and reinterpreting quilting traditions. My early exposure to sewing as a child paved the way for a journey combining quilt-making with improvisation, contrast, and repeat patterns. I draw inspiration from the vibrant natural landscapes of South Florida, weaving the colors, textures, and structures of the region into my work using a diverse palette of new, second-hand, and hand-dyed textiles. An integral part of my artistic ethos is consciously incorporating thrifted and second-hand clothing and fabrics. By doing so, I aim to address the pressing issue of textile waste that plagues our society today.

I employ symbolic geometric quilt patterns as a foundation. I transform and manipulate these shapes to create dynamic movement and evoke a sense of transformation. To reflect the essence of the Miami landscape, I use colors inspired by the rich tapestry of its diverse population, complemented by dyes derived from locally sourced plants and rust. My use of unconventional materials, such as neoprene, sequins, and faux leather, pays homage to the pop culture that permeates Miami's artistic identity.

My artistic journey is guided by a profound appreciation for American folk art quilts and a deep admiration for geometric-abstract artists from the mid to late twentieth century. Visionaries like the Gees Bend quilters, Elizabeth Murray, Helen Frankenthaler, Annie Albers, and Gego have left an indelible mark on my creative perspective. Their influences have been powerful motivators, driving me to produce quilts with significant personal symbolism and weaving intricate narratives within their patterns.

Bio

Regina Durante Jestrow (1978) is a textile artist from Queens, New York, who currently calls Miami, Florida, her home. Her artistic journey began in her formative years, as she learned sewing and crocheting from her mother, igniting a passion that would become a lifelong force. This connection to Fiber arts is the bedrock of her artistic practice. Relocating to Miami allowed Jestrow to delve into quilting. This became a source of solace and creative expression. In her Miami home studio, the sewing machine, a symbol of comfort and creativity, continued taking center stage.

Regina Jestrow's artistic exploration is deeply rooted in women's rights and history, combined with a deep appreciation for the patterns and stories drawn from the enduring traditions of American quilt-making. Her art quilts feature a fusion of new and second-hand fabrics, including hand-dyed and manipulated textiles, through various techniques, including natural and reactive dyes, inks, staining, and controlled burning. The resulting pieces reflect the colors and patterns that evoke Miami's dynamic cultural diversity and landscape. Her affinity for textile arts pushes the boundaries of the medium, resulting in a diverse body of work that includes painting, drawings, sculptural installations, textile wall hangings, and functional objects.

Selected solo projects include ”Vulnerability & Resilience” at The Studios of Key West Sanger Gallery, Key West, FL (2024), “Free-Form Connections” at Dunedin Fine Art Center, Dunedin, FL (2023), “Pieces of the Landscape” at Mt. Sinai Skolnick Tower Surgical Center, organized by Oolite Arts, Miami Beach, FL (2023), “Americana Quilts: Reinterpretation of Tradition” at Laundromat Art Space, Miami, FL (2022), and "Forms of The Everglades" at Miami-Dade College Homestead Library, Homestead, FL (2016). Selected group exhibitions include "Hand Over Hand: Textiles Today” at Mindy Solomon Gallery, Miami, FL (2023), “A-Piece-A-Part” at ArtSpace NC, Raleigh, NC (2023), and “In the Company of Women: At Large” at LnS Gallery, Miami, FL (2022). Jestrow has been awarded artist residencies at The Jentel Foundation (2022), National Park Service Artist in Residence in the Everglades (AIRIE) (2014), and The Studios of Key West (2012). Awarded grants include the South Florida Cultural Consortium (SFCC, 2023), Miami Individual Artists (MIA) Grant (2023) and Stipend (2022), The Ellies, Miami’s visual arts awards, presented by Oolite Arts (2021),  and the Artist Access Grant, Miami-Dade County and FUNdarte (2021, 2022, 2023).