VOTING RIGHTS
Stained and Tattered
20 h x 30” w
hand-dyed mulberry paper, cotton yarn, linen; dye, Tsukineko ink, textile paint; fusing, hand & machine stitching
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Restrictions on voting rights are being aggressively implemented in certain states. I am gravely concerned. I find solace and inspiration in the lifelong activism of John R. Lewis, former Congressman and Civil Rights leader from Atlanta, GA. His words inspire me: “We will find a way, make a way, out of no way.” The message of the hand mending: do not despair, organize hope.
Making a Way
25” h x 35” w
surface design on whole cloth (linen and paper) using paint (through Thermofax screens), dye and fused elements. Machine quilted by the artist
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Step by step, we continue to “make a way” to form a society in which all persons are treated as equal under the law. Know your history, continue your activism, be optimistic. Each step forward includes steps back. Remember John R. Lewis’ words: “We will find a way, make a way, out of no way.”
V is for Voting
30” h x 38” w
cotton vintage table cloth; silkscreen resist printing with thickened dyes. Quilted by Angie Woolman
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Inspired by the words and actions of Congressman, John R. Lewis, this whole-cloth piece emerged from the cutting of semi-triangular shapes as a silk screen resist. He wrote: “I will say it again: The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.”
Barbie Votes
33” h x 24” w
vintage cotton table cloth; silkscreen resist printing with thickened dyes; paint applied with palette and through Thermofax screens; additional fused elements. Quilted by Angie Woolman with additional quilting by the artist.
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I had already established that the triangular “V” elements refer to voting in my “V is for Voting” piece. With the addition of pink, and the timeliness of the movie Barbie, the title “Barbie Votes” made me smile. In the midst of unsubstantiated challenges to the right of citizens to vote, I needed a reason to smile. Also, I thought that Barbie could advocate the importance of voting to her followers. The additional paint colors (turquoise green and pink) were amplifications of small amounts of those colors that serendipitously appeared through the breakdown of the dyes in the printing process.
Nearly Toppled
26” h x 26” w
linen, mulberry paper, and cotton and linen yarns; textile paint through Thermofax screens; dye and Tsukineko Ink; fused elements; machine and hand quilted
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Working on my ‘Voting Rights’ series, I experimented with dendritic printing. A figure emerged that appeared to be falling over, like our Statue of Liberty had been nearly toppled. I enhanced the figure with fused elements and stitches. Print screens form emphasis with John R. Lewis’ quotation: “We will find a way, make a way, out of no way.” I then printed that statement in smaller font, repeatedly, with the many strategies that states are using to actively restrict voting: gerrymandering, removing ballot boxes, shorter registration periods and more.
Warrior
16.5” h x 36” w
cotton muslin, silk habotai, commercial vintage cotton; thickened dye printed through Thermofax screens onto silk over cotton muslin to produce two images; printing is also done with a fragment of crochet hand-done by my Romanian grandmother, made into a large stamp. Vintage cotton ‘spikes’ are fused onto the background. The ‘bursts’ are hand-dyed rayon, fused onto the background.
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Printed behind the intense and staccato rhythm of the ‘warrior’ spikes are John R. Lewis quotes that comfort me in our turbulent times:
Do not get lost in a sea of despair
Do not become bitter or hostile
Be hopeful, optimistic!
Votaste?
26 h x 36” w
linen and woven Thai mulberry paper; textile paint through Thermofax screens; dye and fused elements. Machine quilted by Angie Woolman
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An acknowledgement of those in my Latino community who vote — and encouragement for those who haven’t. Votaste: did you vote? Ya voté: yes, I voted! We will make it safe for you to vote. Vamos a asegurar su derecho de votar. From the late Congressional Representative from Georgia, John R. Lewis: “We will find a way, make a way, out of no way.”
Make Some Noise
41” h x 31” w
vintage & brocaded cottons, silk shantung & silk organza; shibori dyeing, textile paint applied through original Thermofax screens; fusing. Quilted by Suzi Dillinger
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I am concerned about the erosion and unfolding of the sacred right of each U.S. citizen to vote. The words of Warrior-Congressman John R. Lewis sustain me: “We will find a way, make a way, out of no way.”
Do not get lost in a sea of despair
Do not become bitter or hostile
Be hopeful, optimistic!
Never, ever be afraid to make some noise, NOISE!
And get into good trouble
We will find a way,
Make a way
Out of NO way
Quotes in poetry form by John Robert Lewis