Friday, October 22, 2010

'Never Thought We'd See This, Quilts Hanging On The Wall Called Artists'

'Never Thought We'd See This, Quilts Hanging On The Wall Called Artists' is a quote from a YouTube video on the Quits of Gees Bend.  I was just looking around YouTube the other day as I like to listen to interesting things while I'm at work.  I've listened to independent documentaries, news clips, history items, etc.  Well just a day or so ago I searched African American Quilts, and I discovered Gees Bend, and this video clip. 
Gees Bend is one of the poorest locations in the U.S.  I really enjoyed listening to these women talking about their quilts.  How they used just what they had on hand.  It's interesting that they never considered their quilts art, but just something 'used to keep warm.'  These quilts weren't just used on beds, they were also hung on the walls to keep the drafts out.  The quilts themselves are beautiful in the simplicity almost like looking at abstract modern art.  Just lovely.  I love the use of colour how they are done with just a few colours often one of the colours are bright.  These ladies are such inspiration of using what's on hand, reminding me how important it is to pass down quilting (and other hand crafts) & just the spirit to keep going on even when times are tough.
Thanks for reading...lol

3 comments:

Magpie Sue said...

Hey there Crunchy Diva! Thanks for dropping by my blog and leaving comments :- )

Thanks also for sharing this video about the Gee's Bend quilts. It's one of the more informative ones I've seen (not that I've seen many).

I've got a ton of scraps that I could share with you for your hexie quilt. Well... maybe not a ton, but I'm sure I could add to your collection. Drop me a note and we'll sort out the details.

Lori Saul said...

Fascinating post! Quilting is an art that speaks to the lives and expressions of the hands that create them- bits and pieces to interweave into a lasting story of good times and bad.Love this!

Crunchy Diva said...

thanks for the comments. I so love crafts done by women for daily use. not sure why. something about being connected through the ages i think is part of it.