Jean Childs Young - Life Quilt Assemblage, Young Middle School, Atlanta, GA
Artist Statment
My aim was to capture a quilted portrait of the Life of Jean Childs Young and create a reflective opportunity for the viewer. This art will be a constant reminder of her commitment to youth, learning, culture in the global and local community. I wanted this Life Quilt to capture her, so I kept the visual and textural embellishments to a minimum and in white so as not to pull focus away from her. The Quilt format is perfect for Mrs. Young's life because quilts are typically made for nurturing comfort and protection that is emblematic of her personality. Her mother, Idella Childs, was a quilter and I incorporated quilts made by Mrs. Childs for her grandchildren for the quilt assemblage, to symbolize the intergenerational transfer of values.
Mrs. Young's beautiful essence is captured using white to frame and highlight the many photographic images from her extraordinary life. I want the viewer's eye to travel the quilt of her life and grasp the beauty of an angel, a lover of the beauty in life, and see the sincere passion she had for children. She devoted much of her life to children, how to nurture them and help them develop into the best they can be.
I also wanted the reflective nature of the glass and mirrors to give the viewer the opportunity for self-reflection as he or she moves in front of the quilt. The mirrors for me are about self introspection which echoes Jean Child Young’s challenge for the students of Jean Childs Middle School.
Eyes are the window to the human soul. I have included the photographic eyes of Mrs. Young. You can see in her eyes the depth of love and concern she has for everything she focused on. I wanted to invite the viewer to see and act upon the world through her vantage point. The artwork includes eyes drawn by Jean Childs Young Middle School students who were instructed to pairing up and drawing each other's eyes to access their inner beings.
It was such an honor for me as an artist to be presented with a challenge so fitting and perfect for the format and direction in which I am currently flowing. I am grateful to the Andrew Young Foundation and Jerry Thomas Arts for choosing me for this challenge of capturing Jean Childs Young life.
Lillian Blades
18th November, 2010
Mrs. Young's beautiful essence is captured using white to frame and highlight the many photographic images from her extraordinary life. I want the viewer's eye to travel the quilt of her life and grasp the beauty of an angel, a lover of the beauty in life, and see the sincere passion she had for children. She devoted much of her life to children, how to nurture them and help them develop into the best they can be.
I also wanted the reflective nature of the glass and mirrors to give the viewer the opportunity for self-reflection as he or she moves in front of the quilt. The mirrors for me are about self introspection which echoes Jean Child Young’s challenge for the students of Jean Childs Middle School.
Eyes are the window to the human soul. I have included the photographic eyes of Mrs. Young. You can see in her eyes the depth of love and concern she has for everything she focused on. I wanted to invite the viewer to see and act upon the world through her vantage point. The artwork includes eyes drawn by Jean Childs Young Middle School students who were instructed to pairing up and drawing each other's eyes to access their inner beings.
It was such an honor for me as an artist to be presented with a challenge so fitting and perfect for the format and direction in which I am currently flowing. I am grateful to the Andrew Young Foundation and Jerry Thomas Arts for choosing me for this challenge of capturing Jean Childs Young life.
Lillian Blades
18th November, 2010
