Cuesta Benberry - The Anyone Can Fly Foundation, Inc.

Figure 17: Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors 1980. By Martin Luther KingJr., Quilting Bee. 55 x 38 inches; cotton. Collection of Cuesta Benberry.http://www.quiltindex.org/fulldisplay.php?pbd=kentuckytest-a0a2o8-aBARBARA: From the Bible.CUESTA: This is Carolyn Harris of Detroit. She’s an interior decorator by profession.But she’s also a quilt maker. And she made this one when Mandela was released.BARBARA: Reparation.CUESTA: This is another one that I just love. And she has influenced so many, TerryManget, and all these people. They were influenced by Mrs. Beatty. And I went to Mrs.Beatty’s house. I got pictures. She made these quilts and they’re… like movement.Just moving all over the place.FAITH: Rhythm!CUESTA: Yes. Just moving all over the place. I think she went to the 1939 World’sFair and looked at the quilts. So she started making her own. And she has influenced, Idon’t how many people to make quilts that seem to be moving.FAITH: Without the blocks.CUESTA: Without the blocks. Yes. She’s good. I felt so fortunate to be able to meether. To go to her house. This is Carolyn Mazloomi. That’s hers.FAITH: I have three from that series.Figure 18: African Jazz Series #10 1990. © Michael A. Cummings.Cotton, machine appliquéd. 98 x 68 inches. Collection of the Artist.http://www.michaelcummings.com/africanjazz.htmlCUESTA: And this is Michael Cummings. The Jazz Series. That became very popular. Ithink Hallmark, or was it Absolut Vodka? One of them carried it either in theiradvertisement or made cards or something. This is Jim Smute(?). That’s JosephineBaker.FAITH: And who’s that?CUESTA: My one, my sole effort at making a quilt.BARBARA: Let’s give an applause. “African-American Women and Quilts.”Figure 19: Afro-American Women and Quilts 1979. © Cuesta Benberry.Cotton, pieced, appliquéd, embroidered, ink-inscribed. Twelve blocks. 78page 22