Quilt of Belonging- Part One

Now that the American Quilter's Society has wrapped up and moved on another story needs to told: the Quilt of Belonging.  In case you missed it or have forgotten, this "quilt" of 120' wide and 10.5' tall is one of the most inspirational projects I have ever seen. For those readers familiar with Grand Rapids' Art Prize, you won't have to think too far back about the controversy as to whether a quilt can be art.  A beautiful fabric art quilt of the Sleeping Bear Dunes won last years big award.  Unfortunately, the Quilt of Belonging could never qualify for Art Prize as it took 6 1/2 years to complete and scores of volunteers working on its various facets. The inspiration for Esther Bryan, the originator and creative collaborator, stems from the treatment of Canada's First Peoples.  The symbolism imbued in the quilt is stunningly simple:  the hexagon is the symbol for carbon - essential for all life.  The entire base row begins the growth of Canada with all its First Peoples - even the one nation eliminated years ago. Each hexagon above the First Peoples demonstrates another culture/ethnicity living in Canada as of 2000.  These hexagons, as all the hexagons, were created by a member of its people.  Porcupine quills, very fine beads special fibers and thread, pelts, name a few of the fabrics  used to showcase the culture.




The links listed below describe just a sampling of the cultural meaning and workmanship each block offers.

Chipewyan Block, Yellowknives,

Chipewyan Block, 

This Slovakia Block represents Ms Bryan's first trip back to Slovakia with her dad after the fall of the Iron Curtain.  This trip for her began the inspiration of belonging......next in part two, my dinner with Esther.