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This collection of contemporary quilts honor and celebrate historic milestones in African American History. Each quilt is created in an image that tells a story in fabric, using many different designs, intricate colors and patterns of fabrics, and a chosen narrative that embraces all the details working together to tell a story. My starting point in the design is an exhibition theme, a specific experience, or a point- of- view. I do research on the theme, the person, or the concept I plan to create. My direct focus after agreeing on a selected topic is to create a file folder for the researched documents, sketch my idea(s), select and audition fabrics that appeal to me in a color scheme, have silent and spoken communications with myself about the project, and lastly, allow my confidence to create.
Harriette, like many believes that quits are rooted in tradition, allowing a variety of situations to be captured in story quilts. Some of my favorite quilts are included in this series, and a color photo of each quilt appears with a brief descriptive statement, This art form provide s a platform for thought, self reflection, and critique among viewers. I hope that you will be inspired and influenced by the stories.
The Journey of Hope In America featured quilts inspired by President Barack Obama to honor an historic milestone in American history. My quilt entitled.In My Lifetime… A Path of Injustice, Accomplishments and a Victory Declared”, depict the paths of racial inequality and contributions made by African Americans over many years, and the historic election of the first African American President. The colors, design, and inner border of this work also have significance. This is incorporated in the liberated log cabin pattern, with a plate bearing a fact and hands reaching out in distress, and in joy and pride. Quilt gifted to Michigan State University Museum, E. Lansing, Michigan, through the Women of Color Quilters Network
“Windows of Reflections” was designed and made to acknowledge, celebrate and remember the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. Much of his 67years were spent fighting for the rights of humanity, and being imprisoned for many years. The five panels show the significant phases of Mandela’s life… a storyboard that describes the man, the world he lived in, and the world he helped to mold.
The artist transformed these fibers into a spectrum of colors that illuminate the spirit, determination, strength, struggle, insight, motivation, and purpose of a legendary woman named Harriet Ross Tubman Her profound courage to move people to safety and freedom led the artist to call this piece “Go Free”. The varied paths, people, places, intricate shapes and details all serve as an anchor in creating this body of work.
Divine Diva Frock” implies a spectacular gown worn by a woman whose cultural connection acknowledges her values and virtues. She is resilient and is recognized for her work in positively affecting families and generations, the environment, and humanity as a whole. Having the ability to effect the human race, many may call her a Goddess, a Dynamic Women, or a Divine Diva who’s qualities bring out the best in them, and are reflected in the vibrant colors used, the embellishment, and overall design of this work of art.
“A Tapestry for Sheroes” A quilt that speaks to us from different periods in history, about deep thoughts, ideals, lifestyles, politics, religion, love, challenges, hope, and dreams. I respectfully extol women for this legacy of storytelling so that they continue to rise. Tapestries have for years followed a code of ethics that command courage. Can you think of a woman who has broken down barriers or made major contributions to the greater good? Remember to pass it on.
The exhibition requirement was HAIR….the crowning glory of women. With such attention on Black hair and Black hair styles in the workplace, the artist thought about the wholeness of a woman, as a result… “I am soooo much more than my hair” was echoed, and the design included vertical textiles that symbolizes a woman’s values, ideals, and beliefs .Horizontal braids of human hair with beads was intertwined and serves to protect the values held by a Black woman about herself and her hair. The red background is used to convey a source of strength, courage, and the whole woman.
"Climbing the Ladder to a Seat of Power” provided an opportunity to identify someone I admired and who had succeeded in life. It was when I met Dr. Helen S. Faison in the mid 1980’s that I knew in a nanosecond that she was a woman of distinction, determination, and she rose to become the Superintendent of Schools. I learned quickly of her climb to success…both struggles and accomplishments. I decided to use an 8ft.ladder to depict her climb. Each rung represented a value or characteristic related to her success, done in Adinkra symbols to acknowledge Dr. Faison’s heritage. Since she had transitioned I used newspaper articles to made screen printed fabric that covered the complete ladder, and the color red was used as an accent. At the top of the ladder a replica of the “Dr” stand boldly in her seat of power; ( i.e. A doll dressed in a business suit with her famous tam on her head)
Close up of "Climbing the Ladder to a Seat of Power”
Colonel Charles Young was the second Black to graduate from West Point and spent many years with the 9 th U.S. Cavalry. Selecting an era in his life to design my quilt around was exciting, and I selected his appointment as a professor of Military Science and Tactics at Wilberforce University, the first African American university to host an Army sponsored military training program. The title became “ Welcome Home Colonel Charles Young”. He grew-up in this area doing his formative years. A six panel design captured his work with cadets, faculty and professional scholars. Young was highly respected and committed to the progress made by his student cadets, and he was steadfast in his determination to continue to serve his people and his country through active military duty.
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