On "Shame and Redmeption" (art quilt in progress)

“Shame and Redemption” is my latest oeuvre d'art. Currently it is a work in progress.

Over the past few months, I have been making significant progress on it, and I have finally pieced it together into its whole (without the sandwiching or quilting).

This is my most controversial social commentary artwork to date. I have a long journey before it is finished, so this is not its official art statement. However, I want to begin clarifying for myself what this art quilt is about.

The main thrust of this art quilt pertains to mental & emotional illness and health. Mental and emotional illness can develop from shame, bullying, verbal and psychological abuse, and nonacceptance by others for who we are (especially by those closest to us). These behaviors can impact people's self-esteem and their abilities to walk through the world as themselves.

“Shame” here is not what we say to ourselves, but rather what society says we should feel about ourselves for being who we are, especially when it doesn't align with the hegemonic status quo or even an individual’s perception. Unfortunately, over time, many people who hear these things begin to believe their own existence is shameful.

“Redemption” here is not something that has been handed unto us by some created almighty figure. Rather, it is the self-redemption that we, ourselves, create to overcome the shame. To heal. To be our own saviors rather than be saved. Self-redemption comes in the form of personal boundaries, uplifted spirits, and a celebration of the self, regardless of the cruelty of opinion by others.

The gradation of color is a commentary on the ills of our society and its unwillingness to see diversity as the greatest life force there is. For far too long, the color black has been associated with negativity and the basest of human behavior. The color white has been associated with spiritual enlightenment and redemption for our human flaws. Language has perpetuated these antiquated and false views of humanity. Enough! This needs to stop.