My Storyline quilts were requested to be shown - and I said Yes.
The Keweenaw Storytelling Center is interested in showcasing stories and someone gave them my name.
This seems like the perfect venue.
I was shown around the center, a work in progress - with lots of potential. Bringing humanity together through our shared experiences - a place for voices to ring out in a variety of ways.
As I unrolled the quilts - it was interesting to see my art from so long ago.
I believe the first ones were created in early 2005.
It has been 9 years since my quilts and I made our public appearance - well some where actually at an Art Quilt show - but I can't recall how far back that was.
Anyway it has been a long while.
I wondered about our relevance or integrity or even art form. My inner critic comes alive anytime my art is heading out in public - an unflattering soundtrack from long ago.
I went back in my blog - way back to the beginning to see if I had recorded when my quilts were in the Quilt Show - but it only goes back to 2009.
It was interesting to read me back then. To read about my determination and confusion and trying to explain the unexplainable. I feel for her.
All these years later I still feel the misfit or the one who is unlike the others. I love my words though and my exploring and the books I read and who and how I quoted. I love how I began seeing the world with a new perspective. I can see that my storyline is still relatable.
My Storyline quilts are not scheduled to be hung until January and the space, or gallery wall, will be painted to showcase my art in ways that will flatter them. I love how my art is always handled with care - and my story line too.
The woman who runs the place has great ideas and it will be another interesting walk on my journey.
Imagine them up in Calumet just few miles from the church.
I wonder who will happen upon them.
I wonder who they will comfort and who they will disturb.
All in all, it was a weird step into the past, and even more a step out into the public with my story.
Re-reading about my Keynote with Dial Help 9 years ago, I remember waiting for the rebuke and insults, the anger and rage for me speaking out - and that did not happen.
It is odd, that we fear the reprisals and our story is often met with silence.
Nothing.
From those closest to us.
I have time to prepare and sit with each quilt to travel once again along my storyline; putting my story together to offer words and art to someone who feels alone in her journey.
These quilts have already given me courage and allowed me to be brave. They stand louder and bolder before me - telling my story in fabric.
This time out I am stronger - more time has passed and I have grown - emotionally and spiritually. I know who I am now - I know my depth and love.
I could actually stand before my art.
Yet, I am so grateful to have it with me.
Soon, I will hang them back on the clothesline and take their pictures again. Perhaps take them out on a photoshoot.
Looking at them was like looking at old friends.
Parts of me that I didn't really know - then.
I am now excited to re-visit My Storyline.
I am now brave, bold and a badass - with my truth.
