Gee's Bend Quilts

Strips by Annie May Young, 1975   corduroy, 95 x 105 inches

 Annie May Young

Medallion by Annie May Young 1976  work clothes  108 x 77 

This group of astonishing quilts may be the most important influence on improvisational contemporary quiltmaking ever.

Strips by Annie May Young 1975  corduroy, 101 x 66 inches

At this time in history where there is revolutionary hope for black American's, I want to pay respect to the makers of these inspiring works of art.
I've been very influenced by these strong women artists.
I continue to be influenced and I'm not the only one.
It's time to thank them.
This post and the ones I am making on instagram are because I want to amplify their voices.

Four Block by Loretta Pettway 1960 used men's clothing 78 x 73 inches

 Loretta Pettway

Brick Layer by Loretta Pettway 1970  denim 84 x 66 inches

There is so much flair in the bold geometrics.
I  love that these quilts are made from men's and women's work clothes
house dresses, cotton sacks, and scraps of corduroy left over from the Freedom Quilting Bee.

String Quilt by Loretta Pettway 1960  used men's clothing 94 x 76 inches

There are so many questions now in this most strange and frightening time.
The pandemic has not stopped.  The world is broken.
The systemic illness of global racism is finally being addressed.

How can the world be truly fixed?  Is it possible?
This is a time for all of us to think boldly.
This is an oportunity to re-imagine.
Where do we begin?

Medallion by Lorraine Pettway 1974  work clothes 1974 

Lorraine Pettway

I've given links to the makers in this post, but they all go to the same website.  Souls Grown Deep
This last link takes you to a description of the purpose of the foundation, which in a few words is to support and advocate for the African American artists from the southern parts of the USA.   This organization is the caregiver of the Gee's Bend Quilts and welcomes donations.  I've donated and I encourage you to as well.  Here is a direct link to donate.  It's something.  I thank the many who are protesting and being so brave.  I have some hope.

I'm also putting a link here to the Strategist  that provides ways to dontate to support black lives, the victims, and the activists.
 
"The choice of not paying attention has led to death in others."  Rev Lucas Johnson

 It's hard, but people are ready for this now.  The world has to change."