Gallery - African Inspired
Over the past few years, I have been engaged in learning more about African and African American life and culture.
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David
My quilting lately has allowed me to explore African culture. I was inspired by the hunter, a South African panel, and my assortment of African fabrics. My research and exploration led to new appliqué design sources in the use of adinkra images. I wanted my hunter to be looking for wisdom and God's sustenance. He'd need to be brave (the border quilting design) to accomplish his goal. Layout based on concepts I learned from Judy Hopkins'
Design Your Own Quilts (out of print). Quilt named after a friend who I think is trying to live his life this way.
30.75" x 37" Machine pieced, machine appliqued, machine
quilted.
This quilt was displayed at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival (Hampton, VA) in February 2007.
Quilt in private collection.
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Working for Peace
I've been exploring African culture. I was inspired by these women (a South African panel)
and my assortment of African fabrics to make this piece. My research and exploration led to new
appliqué designs in the use of adinkra images. I wanted these women to be working together
(the bottom image) for peace (top small image). The layout method was inspired by Judy Hopkins'
Design Your Own Quilts (out of print). My prayer is that we may learn to work together
to gain peace. Machine pieced, machine appliqued, machine
quilted. 25.5" x 34.5" This quilt displayed at Sacred Threads (Reynoldsburg,
OH) in June 2007. Also displayed at the
Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in February 2008.
Quilt in private collection.
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Freedom #1
Years ago, I swapped some fabric of mine for a great swatch assortment of African fabrics. One of the swatches I received had haunting faces. In 1807, both the U.S. and Great Britain passed legislation ending the slave trade. These pieces seemed to speak about that experience.
Machine pieced, machine appliqued, machine
quilted. 4" x 6" Quilt in
private collection.
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Freedom #2
While we can celebrate the end of the slave trade, freedom is still elusive. Memories can trap us from living in freedom.
Machine pieced, machine appliqued, machine
quilted. 6" x 4" Quilt in
private collection.
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Freedom #3
I read the papers and find headlines about human trafficking worldwide. I read stories of undocumented workers in the US being treated like slaves. How far have we come?
Machine pieced, machine appliqued, machine
quilted. 6" x 4" Quilt in
private collection.
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Freedom #4
I find I have to hope and pray that freedom will come for all God’s children.
Machine pieced, machine appliqued, machine
quilted. 6" x 4" Quilt in
private collection.