I liked Joy from the minute we met. She smiled openly and while nervous seemed very much at peace with herself. I could not have asked for a better first interview. While filling out the paperwork, she asked if she had to use her prison or real name. She was sentenced with her married name but does not wish to use it which is understandable. Of course, I told her she could use any name that she wanted. She was also quite nervous about her speaking ability. I can assure you that this simply is not the case as you will discover when you read her interview .
The prison wanted me to ask each woman to explain why she was there and I agree that this is a part of their story which needed to be included. However, this was not my focus nor was I there to judge. None of women consider themselves good quiltmakers. They all had weak hand shakes. Except for Joy, who has been in prison the longest (more than 12 years), all took a while to look me in the eye. I hugged each women when we were done. Joy especially appreciated the hug and expressed surprise that I would do so. I hope you will leave comments for Joy about her quilt. I promised each woman that I would share what the quilt world thinks of their quilts. I told them that the quiltmakers are the best people in the world and that they would be judged on their quilt's ability to express and not the place that they have to call home.
These interviews and women's stories you have done are so inspiring. I am so glad to read this. I worked for about five years in a prison helping incarcerated women. Helping them to 'find their way' was the best thing I've ever experienced. Thank you for sharing this. They have created the most wonderful quilts. Jamie V in MT
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Joy's quilt was one of my favorites, as you are aware as I included it on my blog. You couldn't stop reading the back and I wanted to hear the remainder of the stories which the "back" represented.
ReplyDeleteThe quilt is a great method of communicating in addition to being visually arresting. All the parts were chosen with care and are integral to telling the story. You can't ask for better quilt making than that, and for it to be a first quilt makes it even more extrodinary.
If you make a quilt, you're a quiltmaker, but Joy is more than that, she's a story teller.
I hope that this program continues for many years to come as it seems like a wonderful program.
I think that Joy is an artist first and foremost. She has done a remarkable job of interpretating what her current life is like using fabric as her medium and quiltmaking as her means of expression. That she has done so under challenging conditions and with limited materials at hand is even more impressive.
ReplyDeleteWow. The back of this quilt made me stop in my tracks. The clock on the front is powerful imagery. It's interesting that she didn't center it. Joy did an incredible job.
ReplyDeleteFor Joy ... what a strong and beautiful quilt. I love the way the clock is off-center and how it stands out boldly against the deeper tones of the strips surrounding it. From the photo it looked like there are keys running down the right side ... I like the shape of them and the way they differ from all of the strong lines of the strips. The back is very interesting too, although I could not read all that was written, the word honor really stood out to me. I can tell that this speaks deeply from your soul and it is very graphically pleasing in its composition -- great job!!! I really hope you keep quilting.
ReplyDeleteDoing time. Making time. Using time. Intriguing. I really wish I could read the words on the back.
ReplyDeleteI'd have to agree with the other comments about this quilt. I wish I could read the back and indeed see the stitchwork there. It looks good from what I can see. I'm looking forward to seeing where Joy goes with her quilting, her quilt voice talks to me and I'm looking forward to her next project.
ReplyDeleteOn the subject of names, you are what you call yourself, and you need to be comfortable with that. Yes my name really is Ferret :)
I loved the interview about this quilt and the quilter. It was so clear she thoughtfully worked each part and it became a spiritual meditation for her. Because she shared the story with us, it became our meditation and a reminder for those of us who make quilts, to put thought into each bit of fabric and each stitch. I thank her for that reminder and for so thoughtfully creating her quilt.
ReplyDeleteI love Joy's quilt. Time -- here in the outside world we want to slow down time. I can guess that in her world she wants to speed up time.
ReplyDeleteI love quilts with asymetrical borders. Joy used them effectively.
The back of the quilt is wonderful. After reading her interview, I understand what it means.
Joy is an art quilter!
didnt realize you were so artistic cousin. i guess you will be creating some freedom pattern.i hope that your paperwork brings good news...its been a long time. many heart felt thoughts.
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