That was quite an odyssey! It’s incredible to me how some people are so threatened by the power of art. If you put an image of your quilt on a t-shirt, I’d wear it, loud and proud!
Thank you for sharing your emotional art after learning about the horrific assault on American women. And yet again it’s men who decide what is “ best” for everyone to see and trying to erase women’s expression. I’m so proud of you for taking a stand! Your quilt is magnificent ❤️
As a quilter I’m always in awe of the artistic work produced by other quilters. I’m stunned that an artistic group would censor any of their contributors’ projects. Definitely an interesting article. I’m saddened at the thought of censorship.
I am appalled that AQS would ban any quilt! Art is art. I don’t necessarily have to agree with it (though I do in this instance) but I do need to respect and honor it. I was just about to join AQS (I’m a neophyte quilter) but I think I’ll just spend that money on fabric instead.
What is frightening is the degree of censorship in so many areas of the arts being imposed by the gatekeepers of both the intolerant far right and the intolerant far left. That women who do not agree with your views but stood up for your inclusion is encouraging. More of that needs to come from those who support the idea that free expressions of differences of opinion and thought are crucial if we are to maintain a democracy. The authoritarians of the extremes need to be pushed back.
kudos to you and the quilting community. i genuinely thought the photo you provided was pixelated. now that i realize it’s the pattern i’m seeing, i’m beyond baffled.
and disgusted. fuck these controlling penismongers.
You are a wonder! Thank you for sharing this experience. I had missed all of this somehow even though I’m a quilter. So, thank you for retelling it from the start and providing resources and background. I wish you well as you continue to create and I thank you for your strength and for your voice.
Thank you for such a lovely comment! I'm an introvert at heart so it isn't my regular thing to be out in front—but this is such an important topic, to document every time voices are being silenced.
As a long time quilter myself, this story is so important. I will never again be a part of AQS and I am sorry that I ever have been. Your quilt is amazing, as are the other banned ones. Censoring art is just plain wrong and 2 men running the AQS is just rediculous. I welcome all men to the quilting table, but men censoring quilts with women’s issues is just not ok.
Thanks for making such a beautiful, timely quilt and writing a beautiful, meaningful artist’s statement . I will be cancelling my membership to AQS. Never have been a fan of censorship or banning.
I remember being incensed about the penis in the quilt….looking so hard for non existence. I thought it was a one off and because AQS was exhibiting in a conservative part of Michigan. For that reason, I appreciate you showing ALL those beautiful banned quilts.
That was quite an odyssey! It’s incredible to me how some people are so threatened by the power of art. If you put an image of your quilt on a t-shirt, I’d wear it, loud and proud!
I'm thinking of something like that, with proceeds donated. Just need to make it happen!
Thank you for sharing your emotional art after learning about the horrific assault on American women. And yet again it’s men who decide what is “ best” for everyone to see and trying to erase women’s expression. I’m so proud of you for taking a stand! Your quilt is magnificent ❤️
thank you! I'm so proud of the quilting community for stepping up and saying no, it's so important
As a quilter I’m always in awe of the artistic work produced by other quilters. I’m stunned that an artistic group would censor any of their contributors’ projects. Definitely an interesting article. I’m saddened at the thought of censorship.
I don't believe that the men who run that show are quilters, I could be wrong but somehow I doubt it
Wow, I didn’t know quilts could be banned. I’m sorry this happened to you. Thank you for enlightening me and others!
AQS’ actions are unacceptable. They are engaging in censorship plain and simple.
I am appalled that AQS would ban any quilt! Art is art. I don’t necessarily have to agree with it (though I do in this instance) but I do need to respect and honor it. I was just about to join AQS (I’m a neophyte quilter) but I think I’ll just spend that money on fabric instead.
Modern Quilt Guild and SAQA are two excellent quilting organizations to try! Usually there's a guild near you too
Bravo, from the son of a lady who quilted all her life.
Thanks for writing about this—-I am one who did not know this was happening, so thanks for sharing that. Really appreciate it
Thank you for sharing. Your quilt is beautiful and you are right on how all of us know someone who has been affected.
What is frightening is the degree of censorship in so many areas of the arts being imposed by the gatekeepers of both the intolerant far right and the intolerant far left. That women who do not agree with your views but stood up for your inclusion is encouraging. More of that needs to come from those who support the idea that free expressions of differences of opinion and thought are crucial if we are to maintain a democracy. The authoritarians of the extremes need to be pushed back.
I took heart from those comments too, we can disagree on the topic but not about censorship
kudos to you and the quilting community. i genuinely thought the photo you provided was pixelated. now that i realize it’s the pattern i’m seeing, i’m beyond baffled.
and disgusted. fuck these controlling penismongers.
It is confusing! but yeah, the quilt isn't visually problematic, just what it's about. The non-existant penis story is the more outrageous one IMO.
But women's pubic hair and breasts are okay?!?
right?
You are a wonder! Thank you for sharing this experience. I had missed all of this somehow even though I’m a quilter. So, thank you for retelling it from the start and providing resources and background. I wish you well as you continue to create and I thank you for your strength and for your voice.
Thank you for such a lovely comment! I'm an introvert at heart so it isn't my regular thing to be out in front—but this is such an important topic, to document every time voices are being silenced.
Holy cr@p! I am an occasional, not very talented quilter and I had no idea that AQS was run by a couple of male misogynists.
Just Followed you and now off to see the Instagram post.
they are so squeamish! non-existent penises, nursing moms, even the whiff of gayness
As a long time quilter myself, this story is so important. I will never again be a part of AQS and I am sorry that I ever have been. Your quilt is amazing, as are the other banned ones. Censoring art is just plain wrong and 2 men running the AQS is just rediculous. I welcome all men to the quilting table, but men censoring quilts with women’s issues is just not ok.
I found that piece of the story particularly disturbing since they are making money from mostly women
Thanks for making such a beautiful, timely quilt and writing a beautiful, meaningful artist’s statement . I will be cancelling my membership to AQS. Never have been a fan of censorship or banning.
They just keep doing it, which makes it worse
I remember being incensed about the penis in the quilt….looking so hard for non existence. I thought it was a one off and because AQS was exhibiting in a conservative part of Michigan. For that reason, I appreciate you showing ALL those beautiful banned quilts.
you don't have to be here — take good care