Saturday, April 26, 2014

Book Review: A Piece of my Soul, Quilts by Black Arkansans

by Cuesta Benberry
 
 
This is a book about an amazing quilt exhibit by the same name at The Old State House Museum in Little Rock, Arkansas. 
 
 
 
You can reach this collection's link by clicking HERE
 
 Amazon's Book Description:
 
Arkansas is well known for its rich tradition of upland folk arts. Little, however, has been reported from the lowland areas, particularly on African American contributions to the state's cultural heritage. A Piece of My Soul: Quilts by Black Arkansans seeks to rectify that oversight by drawing attention to the extensive, important collection of African American quilts in the Old State House Museum in Little Rock.
 
Over seventy-five individual pieces of patchwork art are presented in this publication in full-color plates, each with a commentary by the exhibit's guest curator, Cuesta Benberry. The book details the importance of quilting to black Arkansas; the quilts' uses, materials, and construction; and what each piece says about the artist and her beliefs. We are granted a glimpse into the living conditions and cultural mores of the quilters' lives. Regionalisms, such as the unusual custom of renaming traditional quilt patterns for things seen in the farmyard, such as Rooster Tail or Chicken Feet.
 



All I can add to this description is, "WOW!" 
 
Not only are there stunning photographs of quilts, there is the wonderful history behind them.  Why did the quilter choose that fabric?  How was it used and by whom?  What an inspirational collection!
 
What books inspire you?
 
;-)  -Marci

1 comment:

  1. As a quilter, this book is very appealing to me. I have my great grandmother's quilt, which is one of my most treasured possessions.

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