The normally oh so civilized quiltosphere is abuzz with conflict regarding the latest issue of Quilter’s Home. According to this article in The Washington Post, Jo Ann’s Fabric Store refused to carry the scandalous March/April issue because it features pages of controversial quilts. Even though editor/owner Mark Lipinski ponied up extra cash to have the issues shrink wrapped in plastic sleeves a la Hustler magazine, the issue was deemed too shocking for Jo Ann’s customers, out of fear that they might accidentally look at the magazine. Let’s check out the front cover, shall we?
What? No T&A? Just an alarmingly excited man (Lipinski himself) playing a post pubescent game of hide and seek on the cover… But it is advertised as “Shocking,” so what’s inside this issue anyway?
WaPo writes, “Flip past the ads for stencil companies and portable ironing tables to Page 24. Behold, seven straight pages of shocking quilts. We’re talking fabric phalluses. Gun-toting Jesuses. A newborn peering out from his mother’s lady parts (constructed out of lots of soft, embroidered orange cloth).”
You don’t say.
Sadly, I don’t have a copy of this magazine (if you do, PLEASE send us scans and I’ll update the post), and QH doesn’t publish excepts online, but a little detective work has uncovered some of the art and artists included within these controversial(!) pages.
First up, Gwendolyn Magree, whose quilts draw comparison to Jacob Lawrence. Southern Heritage/Southern Shame, included in Quilter’s Home, was created as a response to Mississippi’s refusal to remove the Confederate emblem from the state flag.
God of Our Weary Years
When Hope Unborn Had Died, of which Magree writes, “A couple has bought a hog and toddler at auction. Its mother, screaming in anguish, runs desperately out of the fields.”
Requiem, a quilt devoted to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
And then there’s Miss Mary Beth Bellah, along with her featured quilt, Helping Hands, which is apparently an ode to Viagra. And penises.
Don’t be deceived by her middle aged wholesomeness, but do note the pliant puss in hand. And the penises.
Can you see them, masquerading as dog bones? Also, the blue diamonds represent delicious Viagra pills. Apparently, this quilt was exhibited at a hospital — fitting, no? — but was taken down due to complaints. Really, you’d think hospitals would appreciate the free advertising!
Last but not least, Shawn Quinlan‘s Jesus Get Your Gun quilt, featured in the now notorious QH issue, really got some blogger’s threads knotted up in a wad.
Nothing like religion and politics to ruffle a few feathers. Apparently this piece was the recipient of an award at the Andy Warhol Museum, and was also awarded the Greater Latrobe School District Art Conservation Trust, but the latter was rescinded “due to controversial subject matter.” Read the letter that inspired it here.
Oh, but there’s so much more.
As My Daddy Always Told Me, “At Least Democrats Will Throw You a Bone.”
Fossil Fuel
Farwell Quilt #2, which was inspired by a conversation between Pat Robertson and Jerry Falwell. You can read the very intriguing transcript here.
Who Would Jesus Bomb?
Well, readers, what do you think? Is Jo Ann’s Fabrics “out of touch with their customer base,” as Lipinski suggests? “When you consider that a 70-year-old could have been dancing naked at Woodstock and a 50-year-old could have been smoking pot in high school — sometimes you have to change your marketing.” Or is Lipinski just a sensationalist out to make a buck? WaPo does note that he used to be a talk show producer.
Should quilts — generally a traditional, conservative field — only mine the terrain of calico and wedding ring patterns? Or are penises, lynchings and angry Jesuses, appropriate fodder for material?
Drop me a note and let me know what you think!
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UPDATE!
Totally unrelated to Quilter’s Home and its collection of randy quilts, but you people have to head over to Double Takes to see the Dead Rapper quilts Lauren posted. Have to!
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UPDATE PART DEUX!
Totally awesome reader, Bobbi, send in scans from the mag of the quilts I didn’t manage to find on the net.
Yes, those are some hot buns by Randall Cook, and a tiny baby peeking out of an orange (?!) vajayjay by Gayle McKay.
Another quilt by the very talented Gwendolyn Magree, and The L Word Quilt by Diane Johns.
Thanks Bobbi for sending in the scans, and thanks all your peeps who have written in with your own stories of censorship and strife in the quiltosphere. DC readers are the best!
Related posts:
DUUUUDE! I am so glad you wrote about this! I saw the news item bouncing around last week and thought “I really would like to see these artists’ work.” I think they are effing fantastic.
I can’t tell you how very very much I would love to own Annie Oakley Jeebus.
I think my brain would melt if artist Kara Walker explored quilt making. And I’m kinda surprised she hasn’t.
What’s with the guy on the cover of the magazine a la Oprah? Is he some prophet of the neo-quilting movement?
Clearly, the apocalypse is upon us! Quilters are shredding the last vestiges of decency and morality left in our sad, sad society! Is nothing sacred?
(These are pretty great, but not even the most radical quilts I have seen by a long shot …
Since Joann appears mainly to cater to mid-thirties women with a mania for filling prefabricated scrapbooks with mass-produced, laser-cut detritus, maybe they are not too far off in judging what their clientele wants to see.)
That cover is funny. He is taunting the women at JoAnn’s.
Personally, I am all over dogs playing poker with Capitol Hill up in flames. There is just every kind of political and religious statement going on there.
Those kooky quilters.
This is America people, AMERICA! It seems like every precaution was take to make sure the magazine didn’t get into the hands of children and I think adults are perfectly capable to make their own decisions and avert their eyes if they so choose. Who knew that this is the “stuff” quilts are made of! Boo Joann’s.
I was at JoAnn’s yesterday, and every time I go I promise myself that I will never become one of the batty ladies wandering the store and talking to herself…okay I probably will, but I won’t wear homemade Holly Hobby style dresses while doing it.
As for the quilts, they are one of the original subversive american art forms—quilters have been using their craft a form of cultural expression for as long as the art has been in existence. I love seeing that it is still evolving today!
What? No one thinks this is sacrilege! Blasphemy! Not even kooky? We have obviously cultivated a very liberal readership here at DC — which I LOVE — but after reading comments on other blogs, I thought for sure someone would hate all this work with a passion. I was pretty sure it wouldn’t be Raina, though.
Stephanie, got any pictures of those super radical quilts? I am intrigued.
Raina, Kara Walker did an awesome textile for a recent exhibit… I have an appt now, but I’ll try to dig up the link and post it this afternoon.
Anne at City Sage, lovely to hear from you!
And to everyone, sorry I am SO behind at reading and commenting on your fabulous blogs — it’s been a busy weekend! But I am hoping to catch up by tonight. I still love you all
Personally, I’m with most everyone else on this one. I tend to find nothing wrong with the subjects. However, I’m no quilter and know very (I mean like VERY) little about quilting. I can appreciate the medium and respect and form of expression it may take (well within reason of course). Oddly enough, I just posted about the Life After Death Quilts of Anne Brenneke today over at DT. Have you seen her work yet?
I want a shotgun Jesus!!!
What were the blogs where people were objecting to the quilts? Unicornsandmoonshine-cor8?
Lauren, I haven’t seen her work, but quilting must be in the ether or something. Headed over to check it out right now!
DB/Nerf, they were typical quilter’s blogs. Something about how The Prince of Peace shouldn’t promote violence a la Annie Oakley.
Well, all I can say is that I’ve never desired to read a quilting mag before this!
Kara Walker textile:
http://www.wallpaper.com/newgallery/17050652/4
Yeah, it’s amazing!
Cortnie, if you get a copy and send scans, you will be my bff forever (but don’t tell Karly I said that).
more quilts in the overtly radical category:
Alice Beasley: http://www.alicebeasley.com/homestreethome.html
straight up anarchic quilts:
http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2007/10/evil_rock_quilts.html
also radical (as in just rad): ian hundley who makes quilts that look like maps
http://ianhundleystudio.com/quilts.php#
my favorites are the arpilleras of Chile – they are kind of dimensional quilts/tapestries – they were made by women to tell the story of the Disappeared:
http://www.coha.org/2008/06/chilean-women%E2%80%99s-resistance-in-the-arpillera-movement/
http://laural17.wordpress.com/2008/03/14/arpilleras-social-political-quilt-making/
Anne’s got it bang on, though, about quilters being a subversive bunch.
And I forgot Vadis Turner … I love her stuff:
http://www.vadisturner.com/
So many great quilts! I love the money quilts and the lotto quilt is genius.
You guys have the best links.
That Trex quilt is the cats meow! or should I say the dinosaurs rawrrrr!
Yeah, I get it, the ladies at Jo Anne’s are probably not going to dig any of this stuff. I live in Nebraska. Can you imagine the people that frequent fabric stores here? I think by the mere fact that I don’t wear an elastic band waist I might be as controversial as those quilts when I walk in the store.
Anyway, this still makes me angry. I just watched This Film is Not Yet Rated and I am feeling very passionate about censorship. Why wouldn’t you let people decide for themselves instead of assuming that we all would be offended by a gun-toting Jesus?
Oh. My. Gosh. I simply love this blog. Can’t decide between shotgun Jesus and A-bomb Jesus. Okay, both.
SusieQ, I’m sure both Jesuses would be happy to go home with you. He is, after all, a very giving man.
Jessica, “I think by the mere fact that I don’t wear an elastic band waist I might be as controversial as those quilts when I walk in the store.”
I think I love you!
Sara, Rraaaaaawr is right!
You chicks rock! Thanks.
Shawn, I think the consensus is that YOU rock! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment on our lil’ blog, and please keep us updated on new work!
Judging from the looks that I get from the ladies that shop and work at my local Jo-Ann’s, they are not ready for crafting to hit the 21st century, and would not appreciate this issue of QH. I, on the other hand, think that it is awesome! I will look at my Barnes & Noble instead!
I think Jo-Ann’s not carrying this issue means that they assume they have an uneducated, uncultured customer base. Do they think their customers have never been to an art museum? Can’t think for themselves?
It’s too bad. The art work is great, and when you read the message behind the quilts – it’s not all that shocking.
Oh boy.. Jo’Ann’s is totally in the wrong on this one eh? It’s not as if the actual quilts were hanging in their stores.. that might be a teeny bit different.. These people are using quilts as an art medium and in that case it’s free for them to express themselves.. if you don’t agree or like it.. don’t look at it twice?!
Thank you so much for posting this. These quilts are amazing, and I had no idea that quilting could be so subversive.
Thanks so much for bringing this issue to our attention. If that was on exhibit I would see that show anyday! Screw You Joanne Fabrics!
I have been a member of the Lawrence KS Kaw Valley quilt guild for 30 years. Two different groups of quilters from our guild each created a quilt where Sunbonnet Sue was killed off in various ways. The first was made in the 1970s, the second in the 1990s. Both groups used not only “traditional” methods of killing her off, but also very “current events” methods. The early quilt, aptly named “The Sun Sets on Sunbonnet Sue” inspired the scene in the well-known musical/play “The Quilters”, and is owned by the museum at Michigan State University. http://www.quiltindex.org/basicdisplay.php?pbd=MichiganMSUMuseum-a0a0a2-a The second quilt still resides in KS, and travels around. It is named “Death Becomes Her.” Both quilts have been known to offend lovers of Sunbonnet Sue – but also show quilters’ fun & creative sides!
I manage a JoAnns. I don’t look like I should-for 1, the only clothing I own with elastic waist bands are panties, 2, I’m fully sleeved & am “allowed” to wear short sleeves to work. My staff? A lot more like me than they are frumpy & dowdy. Anyways-I knew nothing of this until I saw it on “Chelsea Lately”-while I am 100% for freedom of speech & would have LOVED to see this issue (love all the issues of this magazine, even though I don’t quilt), let me tell you the hell I would go through if we did carry this issue. We get those stupid ass religious tracts left all over the store (I had 1 girl find 28 of them, & I found 17, in a 2-day period, no joke), & this would have caused non-ending grief for me. All the people who want to harass the stores asking for this issue? Thanks for that-since I don’t have enough bullshit to deal with daily (& I work about 60 hours per week, I HAVE to according to my DM from hell.) Call or email the corporate if you want-in fact, I encourage it. Here’s the number: 888-739-4120. Joanns.com, scroll down to “contact us” & you can fill out a form & submit it. But leave the stores alone-we had no say or knowledge of this!
Hi Marie,
Thanks for your unique perspective on the whole brouhaha. I don’t think anyone is attacking individual stores for not carrying the issue; it was obviously a corporate decision.
I’m glad to hear there are some stores out there fighting the good fight by fending off unwanted proselytizing and allowing (gasp!) tattooed management (hooray!). Obviously we all need to shop at your store.
Pattibquilt,
Thanks so much for the awesome link. Subversive quilters unite!
I think the world could use a few more quilts with penises and what the hey, vaginas as well.
My aunt made a very nicely made “Desert Storm” theme quilt back in the 90′s and they refused to show it at the county fair(in Marion Co. Indiana). Who would have thought.
Uhh, I’ll have one of each, please.
I agree with JoAnn’s for not having these magazines in their stores. I am a quilter and do not enjoy seeing quilting lowered to this level. Like Playboy and Hustler these types of so called art should be sold in Smoke Shops. Not where children are shopping with their parents.
“Yes, I’ll take a bong, some whippets, one Hustler magazine, and the latest issue of Quilter’s Home, please.”
I think the people who run smoke shops might be even more offended by having QH in their stores than Jo Ann’s would be.
I don’t understand why you are all attacking JoAnn’s for not carrying this tasteless issue. But the big picture everyone seems to be missing is that it is their option NOT to – just as it is your option to like and purchase it – somewhere else. I didn’t like it, but can appreciate the work that went into it. But they have the FREEDOM not to carry items that would offend (most of) their customers. Just as the quilters who made them have to FREEDOM to do so!
As for the lady who complained about the religious tracts, I would never go to your store, wherever it is, since my religion seems to offend YOU. But then that is MY right. No I don’t leave tracts but sure would not be offended if someone offered one.
This whole thing was just stupid. Probably designed by one who just likes to stir up controversy.
I had to buy my copy in a plastic wrapper but at least it was for sale .I am a quilter myself and loved the art work . I’m sure Mark Lapinski is laughing all the way to the bank. I’m guessing this is the best selling issue of his fun and funky mag ever!
I’m not offended if someone offers me a tract, either, but I’m awfully tired of finding them scattered like so much litter in public places like bathrooms, left behind on a restaurant table, etc. Offering one to me if you see me in person? cool. I’ll decline, but nicely! But to litter someone’s business establishment? not cool. Would you think it was appropriate for someone selling storm windows to do that? Would it be okay if the Buddist temple left theirs everywhere?
I think he covered all bases when he wrapped what might be offending to some, in shrink wrap. How could that offend someone shopping in Joann’s with a child in tow? Unless of course you are letting the child run wild (and they picked one up and tore it open), instead of having them walk nicely beside you and did not touch the merchandise, which would be appropriate in a public store.
Bottom line, Joann’s has the right not to sell it. We have the right to shop elsewhere if we really want it. I get that.
But I’m still very disappointed in Joann’s decision on this one.
I was researching a dogs playing poker tapestry for an ebay listing and I came across this site. #1 I love the expressive quilts. #2. I don’t care if Joannes sell the mag or not but now I want one ! Definately. #3. I will be watching for more artistic quilts and funny remarks to go with. Quilts are the richness of life. Choice of which quilt is our right. Thank God we have the right. Love it.
You really should do something about all these spam comments, it makes it hard for a genuine person to be noticed.
what spam?!
interesting comments from others…hmm, not sure what to think