What it Takes

I'm going to admit that while I dreamed of documenting quiltmakers who were in prison, I never thought much beyond the mission. Now I'm learning just how tough it is to have a quilt program in a prison. I'm learning a new way of thinking and looking. There are reasons that things like needles and fabric pose a threat. Let's start with needles. Needles are used for tattooing. You might think this is no big deal except there is a lot of Hepatitis C in prison which can be spread easily by sharing needles. Fabric can be used to make clothing to be worn after escaping or used as a means of escaping. The Ohio Reformatory for Women only allows inmates to have fabric that is 10 inches square or less. I'm not discouraged. Just learning the ropes and thinking, thinking, thinking.

Soccoro's Second Quilt

It is so much fun to watch Socco's confidence grow and grow. She spent a lot of time working on the figure of the woman. Again I can't wait to see what she does next.

Maria's Spirit Doll

I was so pleased when the group embraced making "Spirit" dolls with my pattern. Maria H. was the first one to finish. She plans to give the doll to her sister who is dying of brain cancer. It has been so much fun to watch these dolls being created and seeing how they refect the inner spirit of each women. I will be posting more photos.

Christina Carlos' Second Quilt

I think Christina is amazing. I love her sense of design and that she always has movement in her work. I think with time she could make a big splash in the world of art and I hope she gets the chance.

Macrina Bravo's First Quilt

Macrina has caught the quilt bug! She bought herself a sewing machine so there is no stopping her now! I love her skull. I loved that she jumped in with no fear. I can't wait to see what she does next!

Martha Domunquez-Diaz's Second Quilt

Martha escaped to Mexico this summer and we missed her terribly. She took her quilt with her on her travels so this quilt has been done by hand. I truly believe that Martha is going to be an embellishing queen!

Florinda Malacara's First Quilt

It is not easy to cme into an established group and yet, Florinda jumped in with both feet. She loved the idea of tulle and even when she melted it, kept going. I'm so proud of her.

Maria Tortolero's Second Quilt

Here's another Juarez quilt. I love that Maria uses so much embroidery in her work. In Mexico, embroidery was something the girls were talk in school. She's good at it too! What I love even more is how much she has embraced quiltmaking. She's always working. Always thinking about the next project. I love her style and cannot wait to see what she does next.

Maria Herrera's Second Quilt

I have the get privilege to teach an amazing group of women at the National Museum of Mexican Art. We have been creating quilts that deal with a tough subject matter--the torture, rape, mutilation and death of young women and children from Juarez, Mexico. This is Maria's second quilt! It truly is typical in that it shows that the women have gone to a better place. I hope you agree with me that this quilt is amazing!

Funk

I've been in an emotional and creative funk. I know intellectually why. Fall has come early and I want more summer. This time of year I'm usually getting ready to go to Georgia. Last year I didn't get to go because the Russians invaded and this year there wasn't the time and funds. I miss my friends and the place that feels like a second home. It looks like October 10th will be the last time I meet with my group at the National Museum of Mexican Arts due to funds. I have grown to truly love these women. It has been great to be a part of their creative process. They certainly have surpassed all expectations. Anyway, I'm hoping my trip to Maine next week will break the spell. I learned long ago that I am a cycling being and know that this will pass. Off to the studio to see if I can't coax my muse to come out and play.