Thursday, February 25, 2010

"A Memory with No History"

My friend Michelle Flamer is curating an exhibit called "The President's House: Their Untold Stories in Quilts." Michelle asked me to make a quilt so this is what I have been doing the last three weeks. (if you're interested in participating, let me know.) The exhibit will deal with the irony that those who sought freedom in a new nation denied it to others. My quilt is based on Oney "Ona" Judge Staines who was Martha Washington's seamstress. Ona ran away to New Hampshire and the Washington's pursued her. I have the original ad that was placed looking for her. George offered $10 for her return. Don't you just love the Internet! The 1793 has to do with the bill that Washington signed into law that kept runaway slaves fugitives. Ona died a fugitive at the age of 75 in 1848. I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to call it done. Thoughts?

4 comments:

  1. I wish I could say how good and important I think this work is, but I can't, I'm a foreigner.

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  2. I can understand that. Does the piece speak to you on any level?

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  3. On many of them, I just think I should just stand and watch. I understand it very well, I just doubt my right to judge.

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  4. would love to participate, but over extended at the moment.. love this piece.. Should be a very interesting showing.. hugs, vivian ( Postmarkdart buddy)

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Love comments! Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me.