Gwen Goepel Floyd, VA

Flowing Through My Life

Reflecting on North Carolina compels me to look back at my origins in Germany. I grew up in a rural area with poor soil, vast forests, and long, icy winters. Spring and summer were short. People worked hard but opportunities to thrive were limited. I always wanted to move away: away from the gray fog, the constraints of my environment, my own feeling of inadequacy as I silently struggled with depression. In 1999, my husband and I moved to North Carolina. Here I embraced a new job, new friends, new possibilities. A child, a dog, a house. And so much more sunshine! Yet there were phases of darkness due to my depression. Eventually, I reached out for help, learned to heal, and developed resilience. While past and present will always be intertwined, old stories fade away yielding space for courage, confidence, and contentment. In North Carolina I flourished in a way I never thought possible. May my story encourage others to move forward, go on a journey, and find a path to turn There and Then into Here and Now!

Machine piecing and quilting. Materials include: batik and solid cotton fabrics; cotton batting; cotton and polyester threads https://soularpowerfabricart.com

Christine Hager-Braun grew up in Germany. After receiving an MS in Biology (1994) and a PhD in Biochemistry (1997), she and her husband moved to North Carolina to continue their research interests. Now a full-time fiber artist, Hager-Braun creates art quilts which are exhibited in regional and national group and solo exhibitions, and can be found in national and international private and corporate collections as well as two hospitals. She is also the recipient of various awards and grants. In her current artwork and speaking engagements, she focuses on the power of resilience, the strength of a positive mindset, and the importance of mental health. She aims to break down barriers, integrate opposing sides, and emphasize interaction, healing, and inner peace through her art.