Kimonos in Texas–memories of Mother
Tomorrow, two new exhibits open at the Texas Quilt Museum: a solo show of work by Judith Content and a companion exhibit Kimono Quilts and Kimonos. Judith’s artwork often takes the stylized form of a kimono on display–I so wish a trip all the way to Texas was affordable. I am honored that a quilt I made as an 80th birthday gift to my mother is on display in the companion exhibit. It is especially rewarding since I made this quilt long before I became a quilting professional, so I am thrilled my work meets the high standards of the museum.
To read about the exhibit, which runs from July 2 through September 27, 2015, please visit this page. I am honored to be included with such famous artists and quilters, and know Mother would be so pleased and proud!
I chose the kimono shape and Japanese-inspired fabric because Japan was so important to Mother. She grew up during the Depression and World War II, and always wanted to travel. I expect *her* mother was terrified when my mom went to serve in Japan with the Occupation Army in 1946 and -47. Those two years were formative in her life; she developed and abiding love the the people and nation of Japan and, lucky me!, she took me on a trip there in 1996. The quilt features photos-on-fabric of three generations: mother and her parents/siblings, my parents and me, then at the bottom me, Paul and our boys (with a photo of Eli on his way home from the hospital–he was still a baby when this was made!).
Today marks the fourth anniversary of her passing. As Maya Angelou said, no matter what your relationship with your mother, you will miss her after she is gone. Some years mother was my best friend; other years were more difficult. But in the end she finally allowed herself to show that she was proud of me and cared for me.
If anyone actually gets to the Texas Quilt Museum and can take pictures of the gallery space with my quilt and those around it shown, I’d love to see it!
July 1st, 2015 at 12:04 pm
What a nice story of your quilt and your mother. I am sure she contributed a lot to the much needed healing after the war.
July 1st, 2015 at 5:09 pm
Super cool. Sarah Ann!!
July 1st, 2015 at 10:57 pm
What an honor Sarah, with such a special quilt. That is a touching tribute to your Mom.
July 2nd, 2015 at 10:10 pm
Fantastic. Congrats