A big benefit of the online happenings in textiles is the on-going creation all around. Folks generously share their work with us, sometimes providing rich explanations of process and revealing some personal reasons for their projects. It feels good to know that others are making stuff; it’s both inspirational and motivational.
After the last introspective post about INTP quilting, it seemed only appropriate to refocus outward to look out at other quilters who work with some similar ends in mind. Let’s note that I am conspicuously avoiding using the term “art quilting.” Quite frankly I am uncomfortable with the label since it seems to be a term already pregnant with connotations that are not altogether positive, in my opinion. Let’s not get involved in the East side-West side quilter gang wars about “traditional” and “art” quilt labeling…, well, let’s not do that today.
I’m bringing my own preferences to this round-up. These are 3-layer quilts of sound and durable construction that can comfortably operate as warming devices AND they convey a message. Just wanted to mention a few quilters today. This is not in any way a complete list of all the folks out there who quilt with meaning; this is only a taster.
Let’s start from the top right and proceed clockwise.
Top right: You must go read about Jacquie‘s design process while making her Bang You’re Dead quilt. Seems like a part of the shock her readers express is because this is a first foray and a marked departure from her usual geometric designs. But, umm, even if you are unfamiliar with her work beforehand, it is stunning. I can’t wait to see the finished work at QuiltCon next month.
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Bottom right: The passage quilts made by Sherri Lynn Wood were a big influence on my thinking about the possibilities of the form back when I was a rookie. There really can be no more meaning sewn into a quilt than by using old textiles to memorialize a person or a community. Also? Her improv is to die for too. Check out her quilt portfolio. Really, pour a cuppa and settle in, there’s so much to admire.
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Bottom left: Whenever quilts come up on Kristin La Flamme‘s blog, I prepare to be schooled either in some new-to-me technique or in discovering how one may express oneself in a quilt. This post about a flag quilt that she felt she had to transform to reflect new thinking is a great example. Her Army Wife apron series is quite a few lessons all gathered in one place. Oh, and don’t forget: War Sucks.
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Top left: The politically-inspired enfranchisement quilt, Do It, seems also to be a first of the kind for its creator, Maritza Soto. She is a popular and prolific maker of the most adorable softies ever who then seemingly suddenly started making some seriously happy quilts. The bright colors she uses are a delight. Anyway, the voting quilt went up in her LQS, a place I’d love to inhabit one day.
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I hope you enjoy strolling through the work of these quilters. There are a few more on my list. Is there someone else you’d include?
Thanks for the view of other work to seek out and enjoy.
why can’t i quilt? whaaaaa!
Thank you for introducing us to these great quilts and their makers!
Though these makers are long gone and this isn’t quite relevant to your post, I love looking at the memorial quilts of ye olde yesteryear – some of them embrace all that is contemporary today – improv, meaning, and that smack you in the face quality – especially the Kentucky graveyard quilt:
http://kyhistory.pastperfect-online.com/35577cgi/mweb.exe?request=record;id=90C9CB5A-6327-42F0-8085-383648601656;type=101
Thanks for the link! Actually, I think it’s important for some naysayers in the quilting world to see that there is a historical basis for using the medium to make a statement and explore ideas.
I’d like to add that I was extremely inspired by the Kentucky Graveyard Quilt. It was one of the factors that inspired my ongoing Prayer Banner series, where people stitch names of soldiers and civilian casualties from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan on coffins arranged on blankets to spell the words REPENT, MERCY, GLORY. Here is link to the flickr set: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sherriwood/sets/72157594144951586/
So cool! There was an amazing arrangement of quilts on a feminist theme at Quilt Festival. Rules prohibited photographing those quilts, but I did snap a picture of the information board: http://www.flickr.com/photos/rossiebug/8138797912/
Your blog is so wonderful. Not only do you do amazing, beautiful work, you also make me think. I think more about art, more about quilting, more about crafting, more about women’s voices, and more about my process and intent with my own projects. Thank you.
From reading the comments on the Bang your dead quilt, I’m always annoyed whenever people feel that they have the right to dictate what a blogger can post on their own blog and what a quilter can place on their own quilt. What amazing arrogance they demonstrate.
I think those commenters were knee-jerk reacting to their shock. They either had not processed the image or refused to? Most art is meant to be experienced for a while: the first impression is often different from the tenth, you know? I’d like to imagine some of the naysayers will come around.
Love the East Side/West Side comment!
I’ve finished up a top I should share with you. It was a statement that got stuck in my head. Not political, but meaningful about creativity.
I have to say that I have been immensely inspired and encouraged through your blog. Connecting the medium of quilting with its ever present history of political statements is something that is increasingly a focus of my own work as a quilter, an activist and an academic. There is a great exhibit on at the Toronto Textile museum right now of work that explores the artist’s experiences with madness and homelessness through quilting and cross stitch (http://www.textilemuseum.ca/apps/index.cfm?page=exhibition.detail&exhId=339). While I’m only *just* a lurker right now, I appreciate the venue you (and others) are creating for an online community of engaged quilters.
You chose some really great examples. Jacquie’s newest work is something I also look forward to seeing at QuiltCon.
I definitely want to check out Kristin’s work, too.
I think quilting, like any craft/skill, is one that evolves as you grow into it. It only makes sense that your work will reflect your experience.
Thank you for including me in your list of textile artists who make you think. The admiration is reciprocal. :-) I’m so glad that Sherri added the link to her banners too as I have long admired them and even had the opportunity to contribute to one. The links to the Graveyard quilt and the Textile Museum in Toronto are super too. Thanks to you and your readers!
My silence is due to awe. That graveyard quilt. The VOTE quilt. (Very fond of VOTE anything because in the 70s there were lots of VOTE fabrics and bicentennial themes, so it mixes nostalgia and naivete into the meaningfulness, for me.)
The impulse, even on a bed quilt, to put some little speck of personal meaning into it, seems so natural to me. It’s like, why are you making it (instead of going to Bed, Bath and Beyond) if you don’t want it to have meaning?
The Bang You’re Dead quilt reminds me, stylistically, of Yoshiko Jinzenji’s black/white/red quilts that use a made-up (I think it’s made up) pieced alphabet.
Thanks, as always, for the food for thought/kick in pants.
Thanks for including me in this, C. I’m honored to be in such company. Sherri Lynn Wood is one of my personal quilting heroes. And thanks for introducing me to Kristin’s work; I am completely fascinated.
I’ve enjoyed witnessing your journey with quilt-making, embroidery and cross-stitch. I’m grateful that it’s not just limited to Flickr (though I still visit and favorite images when I can) because I love reading your insight and commentary.