Quilt as Psychiatrist
November7
Sieglinde Schoen Smith just won the International Quilt Association’s Best of Show award. This is the most prestigious award in quilting, but Smith, who has made three quilts in her life, did not make this quilt, a forest full of children, in hopes of winning any awards. She quilted to deal with her grief over the loss of her adult son, John Steven Taylor, in 2001. Smith says the quilt became her psychiatrist. This is an amazing story of creativity overcoming grief and of profound creativity saving a person from the depression of loss. An interesting note - Smith’s husband says, “She can remember color,” and she tells stories of buying fabric in New York that matched a blouse in the closet in California. Indeed a remarkable woman.
I saw this quilt last weekend at the Heritage Quilt Festival in Lancaster PA-it won Best in Show AND the creator was standing near it talking to all about her about how she made it,graciously answering questions and encouraging us all!!
It is absolutely astounding! I cannot say enough about the genius that did this work. It, to me, is a “Leonardo Da Vinci” in today’s world.
This lovely, unassuming lady was so patient and so encouraging to all who commented on her craftsmanship and technique. The colors/the faces/the whimsical happy feeling just looking at it was the treat of the show for me.
I think ‘quilting’ has taken on a new meaning due to this work. I predict we will see this work again and again as it gains notoriety and I’m sure the Fairytale will be printed again.
I think creating something so beautiful out of everyday things enables the human spirit to soar and to heal, and to overcome life’s tribulations.
I hope you all get to see this great work. I’ve been thinking of this lovely lady often and wish her peace and solace for the days to come.
Just a magnificant quilt–I love children so this quilt is so dear to my heart–it makes you to want to live as these children lived so quietly under ground with Mother Earth. It is such a peaceful feeling just to glaze at this quilt. I am looking forward to seeing more of Sieglind Schoen Smith’s work and I would love to meet her in person.