“Celestial Lifelines” - © Smeltzer, 2002
41” W x 36.5” T
Hand and machine embroidery, hand and machine quilting,
Hand beading and embellishment
Cotton and cotton blend fabrics, netting,
glass, plastic, and metal buttons and beads
“Celestial Lifelines” is based on an event I experienced while I was driving to work one morning. I was crying on the way to work, as my husband had recently left me. Through my tears, I noticed the sunshine coming through the windshield. At that time of the year, the sunlight hits the windshield as two rays. However, in that moment, instead of stopping at the windshield as usual, the beams of light came through the glass and touched each of my hands on the steering wheel. It was as if to say that God still loved me and was throwing me a lifeline to remind me that I wasn’t alone. The event was particularly moving, and compelled me to make this piece.