Why is being Respectful So Political? Political Art Quilts

Honoring Black Men, a black figure on an abstract beige background
Honoring Black Men2020, 11" x 11.5" $125.

Political Quilts Twenty Twenty

It has been said for example that if you don’t care about politics, then you don’t care about life. Politics and life are inseparable. I made these Political Quilts 2020 this Spring in response to the Black Lives Matter movement. In addition,they also speak to the call for attention to the human treatment of immigrants and respect for the essential workers. Similarly,the positive messages of these quilts are of brotherhood and respect.

For a Juried Art Show

For example,Let Us Breathe,(Political Quilts Twenty Twenty)shows a black man and a black woman dressed in African fabrics on a background of many different skin tones. In addition,a shiny red, white, and blue heart decoration speaks to their allegiance to the United States. In short,people can love their country and honor their ancestral roots simultaneously.

Let Us Breathe,Political Quilts 2020
Let Us Breathe,20202, 37″ x 35″, $3200.

An Immigrant Couple

Furthermore,The Border Crossed Us shows an immigrant couple on a background of multicolored skin tones. Most importantly,many of the immigrants from south of the border are indigeous peoples.

The Border Crossed Us,Political Quilts 2020
The Border Crossed Us, 34″ x 30″ $3200.

Honoring Black Men is a smaller piece with the same theme of respect. In the samevein,a disrespect of one is a disrespect for all.

Honoring Black Men
Honoring Black Men,2020, 11″ x 11.5″ $125.

More Political Quilts Twenty Twenty

Petite Field in Spring is a small art quilt highlighting immigrant workers.

Petite Field in Spring
Petite Field in Spring, 2020, 10″ x 12″, $125.

Essential is another small art quilt showing essential workers in a positive fun light.Furthermore, how would we have made it through 2020 without them.

Essential,Political Quilts 2020
Essential,2020, 9.5″ x 10.5″, $125.

Another fun piece, Star of the Show uses Guatemalan fabric for the lady’s dress.

Star of the Show
Star of the Show, 10″ x 11″

In conclusion,these past years  have been  difficult  due to the  attacks on the  truth, voting rights   and  the civil  rights of the minority groups in this country.   First of all, for  our democracy to survive and  thrive,  we  need  a strong education  system  that  is  free  to teach the truth.  Furthmore,everyone’s  vote  and  opinion  needs  to be  counted. Lastly, let there be equal  rights for all!

https://annbaldwinmayartquilts.com/2021/04/racismin-the-face-of-hate-we-resist/

https://www.ohio.edu/digitalstoryquilt/sectionq.htm

You may be interested in learning more about the history of political quilts.

https://www.ohio.edu/digitalstoryquilt/sectionq.htm

http://annbmayartquilts.etsy.com/

By Ann

Ann Baldwin May was born and raised in Palo Alto, California. She received her education from University of California, Irvine (History, BA Elementary Teaching Credential, Masters in Teaching Spanish) Her first quilting class was in 1975. She retired in 2012 after working 30 years as a bilingual teacher and Bilingual Resource Teacher in Watsonville. After making over 300 bed quilts, she turned her attention to art quilts. Ann is passionate about using repurposed materials often from the San Francisco Design Center. She has won several awards for her work. Kaiser Permanente has purchased five pieces for their Santa Cruz County facilities. Her work has been juried into shows all over the country including San Francisco and Chicago. She participates in the juried Santa Cruz County Open Studios Art Tour. She is married and has two daughters. Ann Baldwin May Santa Cruz Art Center, 1001 Center St.#4 Santa Cruz, CA 95060 baldwinmay49@yahoo.com 831.345.1466 annbaldwinmayartquilts.com Facebook- AnnBaldwinMayArtQuilts@annbaldwinmay Instagram-annbaldwinmay

<1001centerstreetsantacruzca>