This is the quilt that I made a couple of days after Hurricane Katrina first slammed into New Orleans. I had so much confusion and emotion going through me as I helplessly watched the horrific images on the television. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, and how our government wasn't responding.
The emotions swirled inside of me so strongly that I needed a safe way to express them. I created this quilt out of various fabrics and cut up feedsacks to reflect the chaos that I was seeing and feeling.
Emotion still raged through me once I was finished and so on the back of the quilt I took a pen to fabric and furiously wrote all of my thoughts, feelings, despair and prayers.
And now it is the 3rd year anniversary, and our government still has not adequately responded. I try very hard not to get political on this blog, but please, let us elect a new administration that will actually work for the people, not against them. This madness has got to end.
My heart goes out to the residents of New Orleans, I pray that Hurricane Gustav spares them, and I give heartfelt thanks to every private citizen who has gone and visited New Orleans to help try and rebuild it, (such as my friend Ann and her husband, who went this past May for their 2nd time with Habitat for Humanity to help build. You can read a bit about their experience here.) To those of you who have volunteered, donated money, said a prayer or lent a helping hand in any other way, thank you for keeping the faith alive, as you all represent the true spirit of America.
29 comments:
That is absolutely beautiful. I am so impressed with how you were able to put all of the emotion, chaos, etc. into such a beautiful piece of art. The writing on the back is a remarkable personal touch as well. Just looking at all of those pictures invokes a lot of emotion in me as well. Thank you for sharing that.
Here's a related quote:
Conditions for creativity are to be puzzled; to concentrate; to accept conflict and tension; to be born everyday; to feel a sense of self.
~Erich Fromm
I admire the way that you're able to channel your frustration into creating things. I'm sorry you have such a sucky Gov't. I don't have a great understanding of American politics but I believe many Aussies don't hold your current Gov't in high regards either. I hope things change for the better. It's a beautiful thing that people at least support each other and offer the assistance that the Gov't refuses to. Power to the people! Great post!
This is a great post and a very great quilt Victoria! I haven´t so much english word to explain, but I understand your text, and I think your quilt are wonderful!
You are truly gifted, Victoria. I can see the frenzy in something that is so deliberate and paced. That you are able to hold on to the emotion while you work. I hope your art comforted you at that time- or provided some release of what you were feeling. In any respect, it's a beautiful and personal response to the devastation.
That is a beautiful journal of your feelings! You are so talented.
again, you are so inspiring Vic, we can only hope...
You are so wonderful Victoria!
What did you comment back to me a couple posts back? "You are my hero!" No my dear lady, you are definitely my hero!
This quilt is brilliant and very special with all the beautiful emotions you put in to it! Such great talent you have!
I remember Katrina well, we sent money at the time. And now I'm saying a prayer for them, hoping Tropical Storm Gustav will stay just that, a tropical storm, I don’t think New Orleans could survive another hurricane.
first this is fabulous...but the story is what makes it so special. i love to read the inspiration for your work. last night was a beginning to something new for our country...i have hope.
Amazing piece...what a wonderful way to express your emotions and do good for others. Really lovely post - thanks for sharing.
Beautiful quilt.
Lovely sentiment.
As always, thank you.
Alison, thank you for your kind words and for the wonderful quote!
Harriet, thanks, and yes, we do have a sucky government! Power to the People indeed! Let's just hope that the people use their power by voting, and vote for some real change! (And that all of the voting machines work properly this time!! Can you hear me Florida?!))
Thanks so much Gunnel, Michelle, Kim, and Rachel!
Sandra, you are so sweet. I hope I can meet you one day to give you a great big hug!
Jacquie, yes I have hope too, especially after last night. I actually cried watching the convention!
Please Sir and Kelly, thanks so much for your kind words!!
you have created beauty of of chaos. hope things fair well for new orleans.
Victoria, you take my breath away...you have taken tragedy and turned it into the most beautiful art...thank you for sharing your words and your masterpiece with us.
xoxo
Mrs. French
What an amazing way to vent! The quilt is a masterpiece.
(and our little pup is a Katrina Dog...we needed to find a way we could help - even if it was small. And she's the BEST dog ever!)
I love the quilt, Vic. It is very powerful.
Thanks Bunzi, I hope things fair well for them, too.
Mrs. French, you are very kind, thank you so much!
Jaimee, thank you and how wonderful that you rescued a Katrina dog! That makes you a real angel in my book!
Maggie, thank you, and I look forward to seeing you soon :0)
This is a very neat project! And by the way I would rather read deep blogs about politics or other thought-provoking subjects that light and mundane ones, so do get political on your blog. That's what makes reading it interesting!
wow what an amazing quilt Victoria, you can really see all your emotions within it.
: )
I remember watching those events unfold on T.V. and My disbelief is the same today as it was then
Thanks for your kind words over on my blog, Victoria. :)
I am awed at the emotion that fueled this piece of art and Inspires others . I am glad I popped in on your blog.
A beautiful quilt with true integrity. Its your style but conveys a diferent message, thats realley pertinent tonight.
I hope this storm dies down
these are so incerdibly beautiful, wow
I've just pop out from Jacquie's blog (Talgrass Prairie Studo). Your work is really fabulous!!
I could see all your emotion there..
This is a beautiful piece you've made! I also find that working with my hands and creating something has a therapeutic effect.
I found your blog via Jacquie’s blog (Tallgrass Prairie).
The Katrina quilt is stunning! You translated your emotions so well into the quilt!
What an amazing piece of work Victoria.
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