About

Penzel's artistic practice revolves around various fiber techniques with an emphasis on quilting. Themes of self-expression, childhood, femininity, nostalgia, and Midwestern life are most prevalent in her work. She thinks a lot about the difference between city and rural Midwestern life and Midwestern culture, being originally from Southeastern Michigan but moving to Chicago, Illinois for school. Her practice features symbols that represent herself during the process of making such as her initials, and where she is currently living, and the idea of going back to the place she is originally from. Making quilts is a satisfying process to her physically and conceptually. She strives to use second-hand fabric and things already existing and on hand to her for her work and will transform it with dye and stitch. Texture and color is very important to her practice, many of her pieces include complete color stories with various depths and textures. Her work is also very hand driven where seeing her own hand in the work is important to herself but also to the viewer. She thinks of her art practice as a journey of self-healing while also valuing the finished product, but the process is just as important.