07.06.08
Nice News Story About Quilters Making Lovely Quilt
Every now and then, a really heartwarming story comes through on the Internet. I particularly liked this one, based in Reno, Nevada.
02.02.08
Two New Articles Added Today!
We have added two articles today. The first features the photo of a lovely, award winning Redwork quilt made by Margie Hammett. It’s really charming!
The second article is about Amish and Mennonite Quilts and Quilters of Southern Indiana. There are photos of 34 quilts, sent to us for publication by the collector and owner of these precious and important quilts. Unfortunately, due to technical difficulties, we were unable to feature one other quilt photo from the collection. All of the quilts are stunning.
I have added in some historical tidbits and thoughts, based on my own experience and reading. I am sure that I have much more to learn and that this article merely scratches the surface. However, I’m sure you will appreciate Judy’s generosity in sending the photos of Amish and Mennonite quilts for your enjoyment.
Have a good weekend.
Patricia Cummings, http://www.quiltersmuse.com
01.10.08
Baskets and Statements
One time, a dear friend of mine was out shopping with another friend. They were both weavers, so it was no surprise that they were attracted to a stand that was selling baskets. After picking up one misshaped basket after the other, the friend of a friend said quietly, “I think she is making ’statements,’ not baskets.” That became an inside joke between them.
When I see an art quilt that the originator has put together haphazardly, using a disparate collection of techniques, that has no apparent reason for existing, I simply wonder why it was made. The thought arises as to why anyone veers from good design and wise color choices, just to be “different.” Then, I remember my friend’s recollection of her story and it all becomes abundantly clearly. The artist was not making a quilt but a statement.
In speaking with another dear friend, tonight, I realized that life is all about the struggle to be considered different and unique. Accompanying that thought is the idea that people are all about ego. As much as anyone would like to deny the fact, ego drives most of us to do most of what we do. Psychologists talk about the need to have a healthy ego, a sense of oneself of which confidence is a part. Ego, in moderation, is not bad. Without it, in fact, we could not properly function in the world.
To reiterate what I said recently, I wonder how many of us can separate our egos from the objects we make.
I like to ponder life and all things artistic and creative. I like to provide fodder for others to ruminate on. I’m told that I’m “too high brow” for some circles, or perhaps at least for the person who made the comment. If the choice were between being high brow and low brow, can you guess which description I would prefer? Call me names, just don’t call me late to supper! Now that is a statement. By the way, I don’t make baskets!!!
Patricia Cummings, http://www.quiltersmuse.com
