I was in Springfield, Illinois, when Roe vs. Wade was overturned and I was overcome by so much emotion: anger, grief, frustration, fear. I thought of all the women who worked so hard decades ago to have the basic human right of autonomy over their bodies, only to see that taken away. It was gut wrenching.
My spirits were lifted that night, when I saw groups of friends, mothers and daughters, couples and families, walk to Springfield’s court house with handmade signs. Instead of grieving individually, they gathered to offer their voices in protest.
The next day, I couldn’t stop thinking about their resiliency and energy. This design came to me as a symbol of their willingness to speak up, to refuse to be silenced.
It’s the first in a series of cubist quilts and they are my way of encouraging everyone to speak their truth. I think sharing stories and personal experiences is a powerful way we can break down barriers and build bridges of understanding.
