Heather Goodchild’s practice involves exploring the rituals, regalia and symbols of world religions, Girl Guides and Freemasonry in an attempt to understand the purpose of these traditions. Using traditional textile techniques such as rug-hooking, inlaid patchwork and quilting, she has developed new ways to execute old crafts, creating pieces that seem to exist both in the past and present.

Recently Goodchild has used the scaffold of a fictitious ladies organization (The Wardens) begun in the late nineteenth century with roots in sixteenth century Germany to express her ideas. By creating this society, including its rituals, mythology, moral code and material paraphernalia, Goodchild is able to examine the necessity of such rites in a twenty-first century culture that often lacks the trappings of traditional religion.

Walking the Pattern

As you lead, learn to follow As you follow, learn to lead Be gracious, patient and diligent And all will benefit

In Walking the Pattern, Goodchild creates an installation exploring the allegorical symbol of the wheel of fortune. Using dioramas, puppets, wall hangings and installation, the viewer can glean the repeating pattern of life’s ups and downs.