Press Releases
U.S. Diplomat Speaks On The Art And Tradition Of Quilt-Making
02/08/08
Karachi - U.S. Embassy Counselor for Public Affairs Kay Webb Mayfield stated that quilt-making is “not only an art form, but a reflection of U.S. history” during her address at the Central Institute for Arts and Crafts here today.
“Quilting as an art form that combines practicality and self-expression is common in cultures around the world,” she said. “Although the art did not originate in North America, patchwork quilting has been a widespread art form for centuries in the United States.”
In a presentation titled “Quilting: An American Art Form,” Ms. Mayfield pointed out variations of quilt design and technique in different countries, including Ralli quilts in Pakistan. She noted that quilt-making is enjoying renewed popularity in the U.S., with 54,000 people attending the most recent International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas.
“Materials that quilters chose mirrored the economic conditions of the day. Silks and velvets, considered luxury materials, began to show up in the late 1880s reflecting relatively prosperous times,” stated Ms. Mayfield. “During the Great Depression of the 1930s, quilters favored inexpensive cotton salvaged from dressmaking to make the most of scarce resources.”
Using pictures, the U.S. diplomat explained that quilt designs may reflect political events in American history, such as ‘Whig Rose,’ commemorating support for an early American political party. Some designs reflect the westward migration as the American frontier was being settled in the 19th century – for example, ‘Rocky Road to Kansas.’
Ms. Mayfield concluded by explaining that today’s quilters experiment with new designs, materials, and techniques that take their quilts from the realm of useful household objects to individual works of art.