To mark the 20th anniversary of my first baby quilt, I have been reflecting on what I have learned along the way. Creative Backstory is a series of blog posts each highlighting a different year. I invite you to share your creative backstory. Each day, I will post an optional prompt. Leave your response as a comment below or on my Serendipity Facebook page or use the tag #creativebackstory or Instagram and I will add your name to my Creative Backstory Giveaway. I look forward to reading about what has shaped your creative life.
This is a quick look back to 2014 when I had the honour of curating Australia Quilts: Exceptional Quilts from the Great Southern Land, a special exhibit of 34 Australian quilts at the Carrefour Européen du Patchwork/ European Patchwork Meeting in Alsace. Even better, I was able to attend the event in person and talk about the exhibition with the large gathering of international textile enthusiasts. What a thrill!
Here are some resources from the exhibition:
- Australia Quilts: online gallery
- Australia Quilts: installation photos
- Australia Quilts: blog posts
In addition, the Twelve by Twelve Colourplay exhibit was on display in the same exhibition space and I finally met up with Belgian Twelve Françoise Jamart. Here’s my , Colourplay report from the European Patchwork Meeting.
In these pandemic times, the notion of travelling to the other side of the world for a quilt exhibition seems extraordinary. However, if you ever have the opportunity to attend the European Patchwork Meeting, I highly recommend the experience.
Sharing Stories: Prompt #9 & Giveaway
I invite you to share your creative backstory. Here is an optional prompt: what quilting event is on your bucket list?
Leave your response as a comment below or use the tag #creativebackstory on Facebook or Instagram. I look forward to reading about what has shaped your creative life and will put your name into my celebratory giveaway. At the end of June, after I have completed Creative Backstory posts, I will select one commenter and, pandemic postal system permitting, this King Parrot textile sketch will wing its way to a new home.
suzanne yerks says
I have always wanted to go to Paducah. It is just something that I don’t think I could ever make happen. The expense of the trip and to really get to see the show and everything else a few days stay. Still I can dream
Brenda Gael Smith says
Thanks for stopping by Suzanne. I enjoyed my time teaching and exhibiting at Paducah in April 2013. The local community really embraces the event and the National Quilt Museum has some great exhibits too. A road trip sounds fun!
Candy Walker says
I think we are lucky to enjoy a passion that unites us internationally. After our Australian shows I am thankful to have experienced Houston & the Tokyo Quilt shows this past year before the Covid virus has shut everything down for the near future. I was hoping for Europe & Birmingham next, then emerging events in other countries …. Sad times for travelling quilt tutors
Pat Reid says
I travelled to Saint-Marie-aux-Mines last September for the quilt shows. My husband and I stayed in a wonderful B & B on the hillside with a fantastic view of the town. I so enjoyed the many different displays throughout the town especially how the beautiful churches were used for staging the artists work. It was a long way to travel but I am so glad I saw this beautiful collection of quilts. I was booked into your class at the AQC in Melbourne in April then August this year. Hopefully our borders ( I live in Queensland) will be opened for April next year as I am looking forward to attending your class. Stay safe, regards Pat Reid.