When I posted a few months ago about "Self-Portrait, Year 2: Beneath the Surface," I didn't include a photo of the full quilt, for reasons I explained in the post. Now that the quilt has been shown at QuiltCon, and many people have seen it, I wanted to share it on my blog also. Bill Kerr kindly sent me two photos, and let me know that many people were looking closely at the quilt, and talking about it.
I also received several e-mail messages from people I didn't know, who had seen the quilt, and took the time to track down my address and write heartfelt words of appreciation and support, which touched me deeply. Then yesterday, through the thoughtfulness of Weeks Ringle, I learned of a Facebook posting on the quilt by Bill Volckening, a quilt collector. His post, and the many many comments on it, leave me somewhat stunned. For many years I lived with this quilt in private--years of working on a design and then months of executing it. To have it out in the world, and then to see how it has touched others, is deeply gratifying. You can see Bill Volckening's post, with the comments, here.
It is fitting that Bill Kerr and Weeks Ringle have a place in this story. It was through their inspired teaching that I began to make quilts that helped me cope with my feelings of loss. I took a week-long Design Workshop with them in 2005 and again in 2006. In those workshops, I met the other quilters who have ever since provided support and the inspiration of their own work. And I have continuted to meet with Bill from time to time over the years for crits of my work. His comments on early versions of "Self-Portrait," including coaching on typography, were crucial to the work. Thanks Bill and Weeks!
Congratulations Penny. Quilts are a for if self-expression and it is clear that your work touches people.
ReplyDeleteYour work certainly touched many lives and hopefully accomplished what was needed in yours as well.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Penny, your quilt is very powerful, and amazing. Thanks for sharing all the comments.
ReplyDeleteI was there at QuiltCon. I am one of the people who posted your quilt on social media. There was a very powerful response. People could not get over it. It gave me chills to look at it. Thank you for making it. I am so sorry, though.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Penny. What a powerful quilt! This is an art quilt at its best, taking the raw stuff of life (the good and the difficult) and using it directly.
ReplyDeleteI saw your quilt at QuiltCon. It was very powerful.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nikki, and all others who have commented!
DeleteWhen I first saw this quilt thru some pictures of my friends who went to quilt con. I was like "WOW" what a statement. Sends such a powerful message. I related to that quilt because I also have lost a child. I thought, here is a woman who lost her only child and the word mother had changed for her because she will always be a mother just a different way then other. When I lost my child I lost any interest in anything, I think my friends tried to understand me but it like walking on the eggshells that are not there. I live with the silent reminder daily it is always with me. I just recently starting quilting again. My story is alike but different then yours. I still have my son and my daughter left behind 2 little grandsons who because of them their mom lives on. I know your quilt will touch many lives it is a amazing powerful quilt and I thank you for sharing it with us and to continue to share it with others.
ReplyDeleteEven though the back of your quilt wasn't visible at QuiltCon, how about posting a picture of it here?
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