Connecting to Culture: Embrace the Fabric

I was thrilled to chat with Lisa Shepard Stewart with Cultured Expressions on embracing the culture through beautiful African fabric.

Even though many of us love African fabrics, we don't seem to know much about them much less what to do with them. We know Kente cloth and that's it. By including so much information about authentic techniques and history, your books act as a cultural bridge. Was teaching readers to connect to culture through fabric and decor your intention with your books and website?
Yes, exactly!  One of my goals in writing the book was to give readers an appreciation not only for the fabrics, but for the cultures that produce them.  So the first chapter of African Accents: Fabrics and Crafts to Decorate Your Home explains the cultures and what roles the fabrics play in them, as well as how they are made. Understanding their traditional uses, the meanings and symbolism they carry allows you to find creative wasy to use them in your decor.  I also wanted to lessen the "intimidation factor" that many DIY'ers experience when thinking of how to decorate with bogolan (mudcloth), kente, kuba, korhogo, batiks and others.

My goals was similar for my second book, Global Expressions: Decorating With Fabrics from Around the World, which offers an expanded introduction to textiles from nine different regions of the world, including Turkey, Japan, Panama, Zimbabwe and more.  With this book, you begin to recognize the similarities in the cultures through their textile artistry as well as their uniqueness.  Then, by making the projects you can create useful, practical items with cultural relevance. You've taken the fabric to another level and created your own story through your finished decorative accents.

In my trunk shows and workshops, there is often someone who tells the group about a piece they purchased or received as a gift, and they keep it boxed up in the closet instead of enjoying it, for lack of inspiration.  It's my intention that they'll will find the inspiration they need in my books, to liberate the fabric and enjoy it!

Based on the home decor projects you've made for yourself, what country or culture is most represented in your own home? 
In general, West African culture is most prevalent in my house. My first trip to Africa was a tour of Senegal in 1986.  Then I went to Ghana in 2001, and I was transfixed by the people, the fabrics and the whole culture, so there's a lot of West Africa as a whole in my decor -  Ghanaian adinkra symbols and woven batiks, bogolan (mudcloth) from Mali, korhogo from the Ivory Coast.  Then there is kuba from central Africa, fabrics from India and Indonisian woodwork from India , all peacefully coexisting through the house...

What makes you feel connected to that particular culture?
Ghana in particular has become my cultural "home base" and the ties are strengthened with each visit - I've been there five times, so by now I have friends, business associates and even "adopted family" there.  In many cases, I personally know the artist that created a particular cloth, bead or brass embellishment, so I am bringing that energy home with me and sharing it with others.  There is a certain energy you get just from being there and I plan to go back in September of 2009 to get my fix, enjoying the artists, the markets, the food & music...even the traffic! Actually get depressed on the last day of the trip, on the way to the airport!  Most people who have been to Ghana will know that feeling well.  It's hard to describe. 

 

GIVEAWAY!!! Lisa Shepard Stewart has offered to give away a signed copy of any one of her books. It's the winner's choice: African Accents: Fabrics and Crafts to Decorate Your Home, Global Expressions: Decorating With Fabrics from Around the World, or African Accents On The Go! Designing Accessories with Cultural Style. Leave a post-related comment for your chance to win (today only). 

Comments

[Karin]

What an interesting book, I have to look taht up!

[Zenzele]

I plan on going to Ghana in the next year or so, and I'm very excited about the trip! I've been using African fabrics for years, and I'm lucky enough to have a mom who's also an excellent seamstress - she has made me the most beautiful quilts with African fabric. Looking forward to reading all of Lisa's books; I need some new ideas!

[Lani]

Thanks L'Tanya for posting this interview.
I love African fabrics and will enjoy looking for and then looking through Lisa's books!

[Dani Wahlgren]

Very interesting. I know from a commercial standpoint that there are very few African patterns that aren't as subtle as one would hope for.

This seems like a very eye opening book. Thats right! Tear down commercialism!

[Pierrette Mimi Poinsett]

African and Asian textiles have been my life inspiration since I was a young girl...The rhythm of lines, color and texture have formed my own personal aesthetic.
Let's also not forget to support fair trade and the work of artisans so they can also support their families in dignity.

[jennifer]

oh see you are in touch with the people, I love this ladies' books and i have used some of her projects to decorate my room. Her projects are so easy. And she is right here in Atlanta too! I did'nt know that until i went to one of my ASG meeting. Thanks again for spot lighting someone like her , I have all her books.
Jennifer

[Scheherazaad]

I think it is wonderful that Lisa has written these books that will certainly help to make people more comfortable with decorating with authentic African textiles. Too often they are only regarded as museum pieces or even strange. Thanks Lisa. Thank you L'Tanya for making us aware of Lisa's books.

[B. J. Luckett]

I really appreciate all the books that are available to assist in home decoration, with an African theme! As a beginning quilter (very elementary, mind you) I have some beautiful African fabric that was given to me and I can't wait to finish my current project in order to begin on a quilted wall hanging.
Kudos,
Bobbinelle

[Becky]

Just lovely! One of my dearest friends did a semester abroad in Ghana. She lived in a small village and could not get over how wonderful the people are there. She brought back beautiful fabrics for her Mom and me to "fight" over. She had even watched as some of it was made! I envy her experience and Lisa's!

Again, thank you L'Tanya for a great article!

ps. Not trying to win again ;) thanks!

[lisa]

Hi All -

I'm glad you're enjoying our mini-interview. Just wanted to let Jennifer and everyone else know that I'm based in NJ, not in Atlanta, HOWEVER I'll be in Atlanta as a guest of the Quilters' Guild of the Southern Crescent, April 23-25, to give a trunk show and two African Mosaic Quilt workshops. For info, please contact the guild's program chair, QuiltMyla@aol.com. I hope to see you there, Jennifer! ; )

[L'Tanya]

Lisa's books are definitely inspirational. I have "African Accents" and plan to get the others.

I have always loved ethnic fabric, but didn't know what to do with it. I've never considered myself a seamstress, so the thought of buying fabric to hang on my wall didn't sound that beautiful or creative.

I also like knowing the story of the cultures and Lisa expertly makes that connection.

Thanks Lisa.

[L'Tanya]

Congraulations Lani. You've won your choice of one of Lisa's books. Enjoy.

[Suzanne]

These look like books our library could use! While there's a lot of information about plaids and weaves, there isn't much about the significance and history of African textiles...

I really don't like to sew, but I do like fabrics, and hang them around just to see and enjoy them. It works out, it really does!