Let me introduce you to Sistah Quilter Laura R. Gadson, who specializes in portrait quilts. The quilt in the photo here is currently on exhibit at the Stitching Our Stories Exhibit at the Countee Cullen Library in Harlem. I recently emailed Laura about her work.
Laura, how did you get started making portrait quilts? "It all started with a picture of my sister when she was younger. Thisphotograph became my first portrait quilt titled “Lisa and the Color Yellow”. Myfather took many black and white pictures of us as we were growing up and hedeveloped them himself in his darkroom in our basement. His photos were thefirst inspiration for the portrait quilts."
How long does typically take to make one of your portrait quilts?
"The portraits don’t take as long as many may think. I can finish a one-subjectsmall quilt top in a day (a day for me can mean from early morning to late, lateevening). The selection and preparation of the fabrics, deciding how to shade asubject, some intricate cutting and the use of an elaborately pieced boarder orbackground can take time. Currently much of my work is about poster size but Ihave plans to work increasingly larger which will take more time."
"The portraits don’t take as long as many may think. I can finish a one-subjectsmall quilt top in a day (a day for me can mean from early morning to late, lateevening). The selection and preparation of the fabrics, deciding how to shade asubject, some intricate cutting and the use of an elaborately pieced boarder orbackground can take time. Currently much of my work is about poster size but Ihave plans to work increasingly larger which will take more time."
What do you enjoy the most about being part of the Harlem Girls Quilting Circle?
"The eating and talking that takes place at our monthly meetings! I also enjoythe “big reveal” portions of our meetings where members get to “whip out” theircurrent masterpieces. They are always inspiring. Harlem Girls Quilting Circle is where I got my quilting start. We have been meeting monthly for about 5 years and there is never a dull moment creatively or personality wise."
"The eating and talking that takes place at our monthly meetings! I also enjoythe “big reveal” portions of our meetings where members get to “whip out” theircurrent masterpieces. They are always inspiring. Harlem Girls Quilting Circle is where I got my quilting start. We have been meeting monthly for about 5 years and there is never a dull moment creatively or personality wise."
Mark your calendars, you can see more of Laura's portrait quilts at the upcoming exhibit, Folks and Family: Quilt Art By Laura R. Gadson - July 27 - September 13, 2007, Russ Berrie Pavilion, Columbia University, 1150 St Nicholas Ave., New York City, New York. Laura does accept commissions. You can see more of her works on Laura's blog, The Gadson Gallery. Laura, continued success!
3 comments:
Your blog is fantastic!!!
Lindsay, Glad you enjoy! Kyra
Thank you for featurung this wondeful quilt artist on your blog her work is truly amazing!!!!!!!!
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