Everything she knows about quilting she learned from me.
Actually, that's a big fat lie, but it sounds good, doesn't it?
For many years she has been taking the ole 9-patch quilt process and reimagining it into something so much, much more that I burst into tears when I saw her recent exhibit in St. Louis.
That is how good she is.
Some of these projects I've seen through the years (Joyce will not be rushed), so it was with great anticipation that I saw five of her gorgeous projects hanging in the Regional Arts Commission gallery in University City. It's on Delmar, so drive down there pronto.
These are two of her works being inspected by two women. I made Joyce hang around and eavesdrop on the comments people were making about her work.
She was less than enthusiastic in going all PI on these private conversations. We journalism graduates, however, are not above leaning into a private discussion.
My favorite comment was "Joyce Briscoe. We must remember that name."
Here's the quilt that made me cry. It is the first piece you see entering the gallery.
Connection has been toted all over the country, including my house, changing with Joyce's thoughts, mood, and cares. My pictures in no way begin to show the beauty of this quilt. It must be examined.
She writes:
"...Over the many years it took to hand applique and hand-quilt it, it came to be about connection -- how we separate ourselves from each other and how we sometimes find subtle paths that lead us back together again."
These two are glimpses of a larger piece with
Cried at this one, too.
Definitely take tissue when you go. Just saying.
This work, called Remembering, is complex and requires a post in itself to describe and explain the organza envelopes, the words of author Marilynne Robinson, a Japanese grandfather, and the fear of forgetting words.
I get this.
Joyce's passion for story telling is evident, touching and beautiful.
What are you working on these days?
7 comments:
Amazing talent. Beautiful.
Joyce, these are absolutely stunning! Your talent and skills just shine through the computer! I'll trade you your talent for mine anyday. Looking forward to seeing your work in the National Quilt Museum in Kentucky on my next visit there.
Well done Joyce and Sue!
The pieces in the exhibition were stunning, but equally intriguing was your enthusiasm and the way the art captivated you. Beautiful work on the part of both the artist and beholder of that art.
Just beautiful. I would so love to see these in person.
I am humbled by such attention from you, Sue, and by the kind comments from your friends and family members. Quiltmaking and writing and blogging and most other artistic pursuits are solitary, so it is deeply gratifying to put your work in a public space and have people respond to it. Especially people you know and love. Thank you.
Awesome. Joyce's work is just beautiful. There are no words to describe it. She is more than an artist but also a storyteller. Thank you Sue, for sharing these, and, thank you Joyce, for allowing your work to be publicly displayed so we can all experience the creativity of your solitary moments.
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