For several years, I’ve been a member of a wonderful group called the Fiber Artists of Hope. We originally came together together because of our shared interest in using our voice as artists to support social justice. We are an artists community that is self-sustaining and self-organized. Any member may propose a theme. Any member may take on the role of acquiring venues for the collections we have created.
A few years ago, we created a group of quilts in response to the death of Trayvon Martin. That exhibit has traveled to several venues around the U.S. and been very well received.
This year, we are deeply honored to have several quilts from our Trayvon Martin quilts selected for exhibition at the 2015 Sacred Threads Show. This show is one of the few in the quilt world that is dedicated to celebrating work inspired by spiritual themes. Here’s an excerpt from the Sacred Threads website:
For the exhibit, quilts are divided into categories based on theme. These are Expressions of Joy, Spirituality, Inspiration, Grief, Healing and Peace/Brotherhood. The artwork themes provide thought-provoking insights, encouragement, inspiration and healing responses to grief and human hardships. It has attracted a wide array of visitors and has proved appropriate for all ages from young teens to seniors. The exhibit is a positive influence on the human spirit, giving joy as well as addressing concerns of the soul and mind.
My artquilt, titled, “When will My Sisters’ Sons be Safe and Free” was selected. I’ve had one other quilt accepted into Sacred Threads several years ago. This quilt is especially important to me.
For those interested in technique:
This is a whole cloth quilt. I painted it with Golden Acrylics and inks. I collaged newspaper articles and other papers. I stenciled and included handwritten words expressing my grief over the issue of violence against African American men and youth.