The Physical Art of Storytelling
Before pens, paper, quills, and canvases, many societies interacted via art, whether due to a lack of common language or low literacy rates. Art that tells stories has been around for centuries and can be found in all cultures, originating from about 5,000 years ago in China. One prime example of communicative art is story quilts. Different societies everywhere have produced uniquely stunning works of patched quilts or fabrics, all of which tell a culture’s original story. Colors, designs, and sizes all factor into the message each patch conveys. This quilting method is both efficient and eccentric—new patches can easily replace worn-down ones, and no two textiles are ever the same. Collectively, individual patches can form almost anything, ranging from blankets to purses. The pieces and parts of story quilts come together to provide insulation and beauty, sheltering the wearer and reflecting a civilization’s art.
While an ordinary blanket might solely provide warmth, story quilts can tell intricate stories while delivering comfort. When looking at patchwork in “modern history” (post-Middle Ages), many story quilts are so elaborate that owners value them as heirlooms in both households and museums. Depending upon the artist and their desired outcomes, each quilt can take several years to make. The social implications of story quilts also run deep. Previously an outlet for illiterate women and children to share stories, story quilts have been and continue to be used as an artistic medium to communicate many tales. So although these artists’ stories are on quilts, they certainly aren’t fabric-ations!
