My Story Quilt…

Is Worth Making!

connections between personal stories and larger social issues through art

This internet experience is an opportunity for you to further explore some topics related to the artist, Faith Ringgold and the influences on her work. As you work, keep your sketchbook handy and jot down any inspiring images, words, and ideas…

Though her imagery is folksy and stylized, the substance of her work is deeply meaningful. She tackles issues of gender and race, religion and personal memories.

Directions:

*Go to Faith Ringgold’s website, www.faithringgold.com

*Click on May I introduce myself for a brief bio and to see a photo of the artist

Write her motto and sketch the ‘flying girl’ into your sketchbooks

*Click on Please sing my song, listen and enjoy

What does she mean by “anyone can fly”? What kinds of obstacles may you face? How can you learn to fly? (take time to reflect in your sketchbook)

*Click on Racial questions and answers… take the ‘quiz’…(you may opt to take and submit the actual quiz, or, complete the quiz in your sketchbooks). Be prepared to discuss at least one of the questions from part two.

*Click on Frequently asked questions and browse for some insights from the artist…

Where did she work before becoming a professional artist? How does she write the stories of her quilts? Take some time now to write a bit of your story in your sketchbook.

*Click on Images and browse the world of her art. Choose a few that interests you and observe them closely. What techniques has she used? What might have influenced this work? How does color and pattern influence the mood of the work? How has she incorporated words with her images? How will you?