Article 22

Everyone, as a member of society, has the right to social security and is entitled to realization, through national effort and international co-operation and in accordance with the organization and resources of each State, of the economic, social and cultural rights indispensable for his dignity and the free development of his personality.

Jeanette Durand

About my work

I incorporated a hand-embroidered tea towel from the 1950s into the piece. The simple imagery on the towel, as well as its nature as a traditional, handmade object, conjures shelter, companionship, inclusion and home. These are things that everyone deserves and that are part of the promise of Article 22. The one word stitched into the towel, ‘welcome’, also pretty much sums up the attitude that we need for all human rights.

I see a lot of homelessness on the streets of Oakland and San Francisco. Often you can see the dignity and promise in people who are down on their luck. Other times you can see that some people just truly need some help to make it in this world. But no one should have to live like that, and it is all of our responsibility to do what we can to make sure every human being can live like one.

- Jeanette Durand

Jeanette Durand

About me

As a visual artist, I feel most satisfied when I have created a piece of art that reflects my thoughts and emotions and imparts these to the viewer.

The media I have concentrated on are weaving, fabric collage, quilting, drawing, and painting. It is the most natural human sense of touch that draws me to work with textiles. My rich appreciation of historic and contemporary textiles stems from my professional background in textile conservation and microscope analysis at The Art Institute of Chicago, along with my studies in Italy. Creating high-quality objects, with an emphasis to explore new and old media, is an important element of my art.

Whether my artwork elicits a narrative or an abstract image, I feel an inner personal message has been captured. My images may relate to people close to me such as my sister, who was a Peace Corp volunteer in Romania. Her experience reminds me of my own travels in Italy, alone amongst a beautiful landscape edged in golden sunlight so far removed from my regular existence.

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