Yesterday was one I've looked forward to for many years. FINALLY, I was able to meet and photograph some of the now famous
Gee's Bend quilters. They are here for the week participating in
Common Threads at the Alys Stephens Center at UAB, along with
Groupe Bogolon Kasobane mud cloth makers from Bamako, Mali. This partnership brings together textile artists from West Alabama and West Africa. It's free to the public and what I loved the most was the access to interact and move around and watch them work. I took a LOT of photographs, hung over their shoulders while they worked, and asked a million questions. Everyone was delightfully patient. The artists from Mali tolerated my weak French, and the Gee's Bend ladies even sang a few spirituals while they worked. I'm sorry I didn't have a video cam for that! Today I wanted you to meet these ladies, but this week I'll have more from both groups. I LOVE THIS "JOB"!
16 comments:
Their quilt show came through here a few years ago. It was a huge hit.
It sounds like you are having a really interesting time!
I really wish I could have been with you that day... and add a few questions...
Fantastic!!!!!! I'm so glad you are the one to document this coming together of textile artists. I've been a big fan of the Gee's Bend quilters for years.
What a wonderful experience! And your photos are fabulous!
I'm another fan of the Gee's Bend Quilters. I am SO Jealous that you got to meet and greet them. Looking forward to your future photos. Aside: An artist friend visited them about 8-10 years ago, and they GAVE her and her teen-aged son each a quilt. Imagine that kind of generosity as a "thank you" for some exhibits she organized here for them. Many of their quilts were sold and they got to keep every penny of the profits.
Excellent tradition, well documented by you.
I was interested in your comment on Julie's Scottsdale site yesterday. We normally avoid subjects that could have political overtones on the daily photo sites, but Julie and i have a lot of history and personal involvement on the issue.
Great pictures Virginia. Beautiful post.
I am sure they were equally charmed by the graciousness that is Virg!
Virginia, your portraits and story are inspirational. I love them. There's such a great spirit here! I look forward to your next photos. Congratulations to all.
The first lady's smile brings me back again. It is a joy to watch !
Looking forward to the next few days. Fine portraits.
Great portraits. One of my favorite non-fiction book visits quilters around the country and records the stories they tell while working.
Great photos of such talented ladies! I am always in awe of quilters.
xo Cathy
Super. After lunch, I'm quilting all afternoon in the hope I might finish at least one Christmas present out of five I have planned!
Fabulous portraits V!!!
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