Gee's Bend: The Women and Their Quilts

by William Arnett (Editor), William Arnett, Paul Arnett

Hardcover Book

Genres: Art, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the women of Gee’s Bend; their history and artistic expression. Their quilts are masterpieces and “are products of the brilliant originality that lived through the dark eras of slavery and Reconstruction”. My favorite quilts are the ones made out of necessity out of old work clothes, dresses, and found fabrics. Hearing stories and gospel music from two of the Gee’s Bend quilters at a retreat in Jackson this summer and then getting to visit with them again this month at the airing of the quilts festival in Gee’s Bend was a highlight of my year. Their artistry, resilience, and faith amaze and enrapture me. 💙

[Janie · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading a book on wabi-sabi, I realized that the women of Gee's Bend embodied their quilts with this Japanese philosophical aesthetic, without even knowing it. So wabi-sabi might be described as an expression of one's authenticity, an innate quality we all possess but rarely uncover because it goes against contemporary Western ideals. Because of isolation and need, these women found it and expressed it beautifully. A stunning collection of photographs accompanied by marvelous stories from the quilters.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is without doubt the most beautiful book of art I have ever seen. The quality of the photographs and the breadth of the quilts recorded was simply incredible. This book was deeply researched, with the authors gathering stories and first hand accounts of the incredible artists of Gees Bend and the surrounding areas. I was simply in awe of these artists and their work- their color choice and composition, the balance and the story within each quilt blew my mind. Turning the pages I would literally gasp at some never-before-seen quilt that is nothing less than a masterpiece. I am so, so glad I tracked down this book and bought a copy for myself!

[Julia]

This book is an inspiration -- beautiful and haunting at the same time. I am in awe of these women artists who are so poor and make such beautiful artworks, carrying around such colors and patterns and geometries in their heads and then working them with their hands.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quilts are lovely and the book is a delight for quilters. Gave me many ideas, though I looked at the pictures mostly.

[Dustincecil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i'll never get tired of this!

[Lena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh BEAUTY!