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| Lily |
Lily is my favorite thrift store find ever.
Right off Cheshire Bridge Rd, Step Up Society had estate quality donations. They benefited two important causes, Grady High School and the Veterans who ran the Society. Robert deserves his retirement but I miss the clutter and treasures there!
Lily, above, was rescued from a broken Step Up frame. Simply stating "Eagle Mola" Framed Textile c. 1977, she was likely created by Cuna women of Panama. I'd seen and loved their handwork since traveling to Panama and Costa Rica with McFarland Methodist Church as a teenager.
As the Joyful Sound, led by Coach John and Laura Trundle, we sang several songs as we traveled to the most remote and beautiful villages in Costa Rica. One village in particular, Pueblo Nuevo del Cota (sic), was only accessible by boat and possessed one light bulb as the first electricity in their concrete floored sanctuary. We slept on swim mattresses and showered enmass in our bathing suits. We left all but our return home clothes to the last village. This was my first airplane trip and a life defining experience. There is no better feeling than sharing what you have, in doing what you can.
As we traveled, I saw women stitching similar reverse appliquéd molas which would then sell in the markets to help support their communities. Their talent and the stories they tell through this handwork is an essential and favorite art form.
As part of my rescue of Lily, I posted a photo on Facebook Guerrilla Sewing and was roundly chastised for Cultural Appropriation. I'd felt I rescued her from broken glass but opened all sorts of ownership issues. Colonial occupation of peoples, underpaid "women's work" and exploitation of artistry were frequent themes. There were also remarks from children of these Cuna women who appreciate this uplifting of their culture. I printed all the feedback and made a pocket behind Lily to include in her story.
She went on to greater rewards, winning Best of Show: Best Artistic Design at Amelia Island Quilts by the Sea show, 2023. I'll always love Lily.
I "rescued" another gorgeous textile, this 1994 handmade batik with Musicians and Dancers, purchased in Africa by a friend's parents. I was gifted this and felt such responsibility to the "Musical Dancers" makers. I can't take credit for the beauty of this, I'm simply helping it get into the world.
I'm planning to donate this batik (work in progress) to the upcoming Atlanta Quilt Festival. https://www.atlantaquiltfestival.com/. Check it out starting August 1.
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| Musical Dancers, 1994, Africa, 40x29" |
1950s, Amber Hardrath, dear neighbor Howard Hardrath's late wife, bought this at the sale of Atlanta Journal Constitution's retired editorial and advertising print blocks. Howard gifted me several and I've loved this one. "Let's turn the eyes of the world on GEORGIA!' with Johnny Reb full of bluster and a perplexed Earth. Timeless, apparently.