Beneath the Southern Sky - Coming to America in 2013!

One of the many joys of our online collaboration has been to observe how each Twelve has explored different techniques, materials and motifs in that ongoing process of developing a distinctive creative voice.  When our challenge started in 2007, Helen was a newcomer to the textile medium but she immediately engaged us all with her story-telling and fearless use of unconventional materials.  Early on, with her Community-themed work District Six, Helen introduced us to her abiding interest in African socio-political issues - a theme that she returned to in 12N 12W, her entire Colourplay series and this year in her 2012 series.

As curator of the Beneath the Southern Sky travelling exhibition of textile works, I was delighted to include Helen's submission The Things We Carry.as one of the thirty finalists.  Helen's African woman carrying burdens with grace and determination often attracts attention as shown by this photo from last week at the opening of the exhibition at The Q, Queanbeyan, Australia. (More photos on the Beneath the Southern Sky Facebook Page.)

 

I am excited to report that the Beneath the Southern Sky exhibition is touring to America exclusively with the American Quilter's Society shows in early 2013. The exhibition will premier at AQS QuiltWeek™ in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA 13-16 March 2013 and travel onto Paducah 24-27 April 2013.

While I am teaching at AQS Paducah (three workshops and a lecture about the Twelve by Twelve project !), I will also present a free curator's floor talk about the Beneath the Southern Sky exhibition on 27 April. Check the AQS website for details in the New Year. 

To whet your appetite, here is a video interview with Luana Rubin about the Beneath the Southern Sky exhibition at the Australasian Quilt Convention in April 2012.
PS: In a wonderful full circle, Helen's African-inspired work will travel with the Beneath the Southern Sky exhibition to the International Quilt Convention Africa: 6-8 September 2013.