guest artist: tiffany bordelon-walsh
No, friends, I didn’t suddenly become a blog about quilting and crafts. However, I thought it would be neat to take a break from photography once in a while and feature another artist. Every form of art contributes in a large way to the way I see the world, and I couldn’t resist the opportunity to introduce you guys to one of my favorite artists! I blogged about her fantastic Li’l Bumpkin quilt creations just a couple of days ago, but I wanted to tell you so much more! Then I thought – hey, Tiff should tell you herself!
Tiffany Bordelon-Walsh on the Art and Love behind L’il Bumpkin
Li’l Bumpkin started by accident. Sewing has been passed down through the generations of my Mom’s family, the Stuarts. Both my Grandma and Mom are accomplished seamstresses. My Mom made most of my childhood clothes and every dance and prom dress. They are two of the most creative and talented women I know. They instilled in me the passion of creating art with fabric and thread.
So, when all my gal friends started popping out babies right and left, I wanted to give something extra special – a little Lagniappe. So, I started sewing. It began with receiving blankets. Now, I admit, I used some cheesy fabrics in the past – then I learned all about fabric designers – and I was hooked! Now I only use the classiest of designer fabrics for my creations. After a few blankets, I was ready do more. And I wanted remind the new generations of the craftsmanship, history, and sacrifice of our ancestors. That’s how I started making rag quilts; or fuzzy quilts as some friends call them.
You see, a quilt posses power and magic. In addition to sewing, my grandmother, Mawmaw Bevie, is an avid quilter. I grew up surrounded by quilts, so you can imagine, quilts have always had a very special place in my life. Some quilts were painstakingly planned out; others were literally scraps from clothes and household fabrics thrown together. No matter their origin, they were USED and LOVED, just as they should be. For me, quilts have been there to add warmth on a frigid day, to be a protective layer from darkness and fear, a sheath of shelter as a roof in a living room tent, a little bit of home on vacations and travels. I cuddled in them on the sofa during a favorite movie or TV show, they’ve been havens for my kitties, a disguise for young love holding hands (hee), a comfort to soak up my tears and ease the pain of trials; but most of all, they have been vessels of love and a reminder of the legacies of my family that have come before me. As a quilt is passed to the next generation, the stories and history pass with it. The bond lives across time.
That is what a quilt is to me.
As I create each one, I think of the child who will be its keeper. I picture the nursery and parents as I choose the 6 fabrics I will combine. Which patterns and design will sooth and excite? I think of the joy, laughter, and comfort the cozy fabrics will bring him or her as I cut and sew the 30 fabric and batting squares. And as I’m clipping the edges that will poof once the quilt washes and dries, I hope that they will love their quilt and allow it to accompany them throughout their life and then pass it to a loved one so it can continue to spread its magic. I pray my quilts will never be hung on a wall and never loved. They are mean to be loved, cherish and passed on. Just as my family has shown me.
Tiffany Bordelon-Walsh is a Los Angeles based artist who specializes in hand-sewn, custom-designed designer quilts and other hand-sewn boutique items. She owns and operates Li’l Bumpkin.
Isn’t the story behind her quilts fantastic? Order from her Etsy Store. Mention Coralily Photography and get $10 off if you place your order by April 30 2010.
Photos by Tiffany of another of my favorites “Elementary, Dear Watson“:
