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I met Trish Williams browsing her artwork on Facebook, which was so powerful in imagery and dimension, most in fabric. I discovered so many other artists through Williams generously highlighting their work. I was inspired to ask why she advocates for other artists:
The reason that I share works of other fiber, textile, quilting artists is becsuse we are not considered artists in some circles, but craft people. If I shine the light on others as well as myself I educate others about what we do, plus I learn so much from those that I share and I feel it is my duty to enlighten (the world).
The gate opens to Trish Williams, the artist and her work. – Victorine
Artist’s Statement
For as long as I can remember, fabrics, threads, yarns, needles, and things associated with needlework have been a great part of my life. From my Big Mama, my grandmother, and my great-grandmother, I learned to quilt by just being near them. From my mother, I learned her rhythm of coordinating colors and buying great fabrics.
I love color, texture, and the way that some fabrics iron. I didn’t begin quilting until August of 1997 after spending the afternoon at the quilting and linens table at a church Flea-Market sale. I came home and saw my first quilt show, and then I saw the book “A Communion of The Spirits” by Roland Freeman. I remembered my Big Mama, Granny, and Grandmother Malissie quilting for necessity and the fellowship.
I have sewn all of my life, but after seeing these things, I knew immediately that I was born to quilt and create my works of art through fabric and fibers. It was made clear why I couldn’t let go of fabrics or why I mixed different fabrics when creating garments. There is a peace, comfort, and a therapeutic release in quilting that has sustained and encourages me. – Trish Williams
Thru the Trees Sundown
Thru the Trees Twilight
Thru the Trees – Soar
Remembering Deborah Danner
Remembering Deborah Danner (33 x 44 = 1000.00)
Deborah Danner, 66 was fatally shot by New York Police Sgt. Hugh Barry on October 18, 2016 in her home in the Bronx, New York. Supposed she was armed with a pair of scissors and a baseball bat. A neighbor called 911 and reported that Danner was erratic. Police had been called to her apartment before. According to the police, Danner had scissors, and Barry talked her into putting them down. Then she picked up the bat and swung at him. Barry shot Danner twice, fatally wounding her. He was the only officer in the bedroom, although others were on the scene. Danner was mentally ill and had written an essay, “ Living With Schizophrenia, in 2012. She was a parishioner who regular attended Trinity Church Wall Street and was active in that community’s groups and ministries.
I chose to remember Deborah Danner, because she was a woman of my age when kill and the date of her murder was my mother birthday, and all of this reminded me that we are all connected in one way or another.
Digital manipulated photo, whole cloth printed and enhance with fabric markers and colored pencils. Machine quilted with variegated threads.
Stolen Girls
Stolen Girls – 28.5 x 25 = 700.00
In July of 1963 in Americus, Georgia, fifteen girls were jailed for challenging segregation laws. Ages 12 to 15, these girls had marched from Friendship Baptist Church to the Martin Theater on Forsyth Street. Instead of forming a line to enter from the back alley as was customary, the marchers attempted to purchase tickets at the front entrance. Law enforcement soon arrived and viciously attacked and arrested the girls. Never formally charged, they were jailed in squalid conditions for forty-five days in the Leesburg Stockade, a Civil War era structure situated in the back woods of Leesburg, Georgia. Only twenty miles away, parents had no knowledge of where authorities were holding their children. Nor were parents aware of their inhumane treatment.
Digital altered photo tile printed, machine pieced, and machine quilted with variegated threads.
A Triptych of Evil – (See No Evil, Speak No Evil, and Hear No Evil) 34 x 19 x 3 = 1500.00
This piece was created as a challenge and a reminder of the evilness that is the formation of America ugly history that must be address in order for the healing to occur.
Whole cloth machine quilted with variegated threads, effigies appliqued, quilted between felt and tied with hemp. Over-lays of burnt organza and fiber-glass window screen also applied with photo transferred.
Col. Charles Young (March 12, 1864 – January 8, 1922) was an American soldier. He was the third African-American graduate of the United States Military Academy, the first black U.S. national park superintendent, first black military attaché, first black man to achieve the rank of colonel in the United States Army, and highest-ranking black officer in the regular army until his death in 1922.
Art is what gives me vitality and makes my life worth living by either creating, viewing, listening, etc.What I wish for the world is peace and this past year has sown me that we still have a long way to go in achieving this.My strength renewals are when I see that in spite of how ugly some of us can be there are still glimmers of kindness.
Trish Williams
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