Episode Summary: “Gee's Bend Quilters and Francine Thompson: Threads of Resistance” (Episode 036)

Introduction

In Episode 036 of “Women Designers You Should Know,” host Amber Asay delves into the vibrant and resilient world of the Gee's Bend Quilters. This episode not only celebrates the profound artistic contributions of these women but also explores the historical and socio-political contexts that shaped their unique quilting traditions. Joined by guest Francine Thompson, Design Director of Brand at Hims & Hers, the discussion intertwines personal design journeys with the transformative legacy of Gee's Bend quilts.

Host and Guest Background

Amber Asay, a seasoned designer, introduces the episode by highlighting the bold colors, unexpected patterns, and untold stories of the Gee's Bend Quilters. She emphasizes their work's presence in major museums and its role in sparking debates about ownership and artistic value. Francine Thompson brings her expertise in graphic and brand design, sharing her passion for turning big ideas into reality and her journey from a crafty child to a design leader. Francine recounts her entry into design through editorial work in college, stating:

“The power of, like, moving words around on a page and having people feel something different or learn something different because of it was so much fun.”
— Francine Thompson [03:48]

History and Significance of Gee's Bend Quilters

Amber provides a historical backdrop of Gee's Bend, a remote community in Alabama with deep ties to the plantation economy and the legacy of slavery. She details how emancipated individuals became sharecroppers, facing systemic racism and isolation, especially when ferry access was cut off in the 1960s to suppress voting efforts. Francine reflects on the profound isolation's impact on the community and its quilting practices:

“The isolation must have been incredible... [making] how some of that isolation also plays kind of later in their quilts.”
— Francine Thompson [18:37]

Artistic Innovation and Quilting Techniques

The conversation shifts to the unique improvisational quilting style of Gee's Bend, characterized by bold geometry, asymmetry, and vibrant color pairings. These quilts often defy conventional quilting rules, resembling modern abstract art. Francine compares their approach to abstract expressionism, highlighting their geometric patterns and dynamic color use:

“They really use movement and color and pattern in ways that are really unexpected.”
— Francine Thompson [28:32]

Amber discusses specific patterns such as the “housetop,” “bricklayer,” and “log cabin,” each showcasing the quilters' ability to transform simple shapes into complex, visually engaging compositions. Francine adds:

“... the actual piecing of the top of it, like, putting all the strips together, they did independently... it's very design adjacent.”
— Francine Thompson [38:01]

Challenges and Industry Insights

The episode addresses the challenges the quilters faced as their work gained wider recognition. Francine draws parallels between her role at Hims & Hers and the quilters’ need to balance personal and communal expressions within their designs. Amber recounts the pivotal moment when art collector William Arnett showcased Gee's Bend quilts in major museums, elevating their status to modernist masterpieces:

“They were products of labor, and they weren't just these family heirlooms. ... [Critics were] calling the quilts these modernist masterpieces.”
— Amber Asay [22:40]

However, this recognition was marred by controversy when some quilters felt exploited, leading to lawsuits over unfair compensation and ownership rights. Francine empathizes with the quilters' plight, noting the cyclical nature of exploitation and the importance of self-sufficiency:

“... descendant of formerly enslaved people who, in Alabama, were also not being compensated for their work. ... they ended up forming their own collective in 2003 to reclaim the power of their work.”
— Francine Thompson [25:41]

Modern Recognition and Legacy

Despite past challenges, the Gee's Bend Quilters have gained significant recognition, with their works featured in over 40 museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and the Tate. Amber highlights their collaboration with Etsy, which facilitates the sale of their quilts with favorable terms, ensuring continued economic support:

“Etsy reached out to them and found a way to make it available for anyone and everyone to purchase their quilts.”
— Amber Asay [43:34]

Francine underscores the importance of workshops and tours in preserving and passing down quilting techniques:

“Souls Grown Deep is just an incredible resource about them... they do workshops and tours.”
— Francine Thompson [44:08]

Artistic Techniques and Patterns

The episode delves deeper into the specific patterns that became hallmarks of Gee's Bend quilts:

1. Housetop Pattern: Features a central square with alternating colored strips building outward. Francine admires its simplicity and the mesmerizing movement created by the pattern orientation.

   “Just how you can take such a simple form of these kind of concentric squares, and then with color, pattern, ...”
   — François Thompson [31:25]

2. Bricklayer: Comprises rectangular pieces arranged in a staggered layout, reminiscent of brickwork, demonstrating the quilters' ability to create complex compositions from simple shapes.

3. Log Cabin: Involves strips of fabric sewn around a central square, symbolizing the hearth of the home. These quilts often feature bold color choices and a fluid, almost psychedelic effect.

Amber and Francine discuss the influence of abstract art and Bauhaus techniques on these patterns, despite the quilters' isolation:

“There’s no comparing [digital and physical quilts],”
— Francine Thompson [39:25]

Personal Reflections and Inspirations

Both Amber and Francine express how the Gee's Bend Quilters inspire their own creative practices. Francine emphasizes the importance of improvisation and trusting one’s intuition:

“Just let go sometimes and see where your intuition as a creative can take you...”
— Francine Thompson [44:41]

Amber relates this to her design work, advocating for creative outlets beyond client projects to foster innovation and psychological well-being:

“It's so important for creatives to just step away from the grind of client work and to create something without thought.”
— Amber Asay [46:32]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the enduring legacy of the Gee's Bend Quilters. Amber summarizes their impact by highlighting the quilts' dual role as personal and political statements of resilience, resourcefulness, and storytelling:

“Those quilts of G's Bend remind us that art isn't confined to museums... They are both personal and political and a major statement to resilience, resourcefulness, and the enduring power of storytelling through design.”
— Amber Asay [47:31]

She extends gratitude to Francine Thompson for her insightful contributions and encourages listeners to explore more about the Gee's Bend Quilters through provided resources.

Notable Quotes with Attribution and Timestamps

• Francine Thompson [02:48]:
  “I decided to join the newspaper on my campus with the intention to write. That was the deal. ... through page layouts and page design, I was hooked.”

• Amber Asay [07:34]:
  “What's one of the biggest design challenges you faced in your career and how did you approach it?”

• Francine Thompson [25:41]:
  “... descendant of formerly enslaved people who, in Alabama, were also not being compensated for their work. ... you have to speak up or your growth is going to start to suffer.”

• Amber Asay [31:25]:
  “Like, how you can take such a simple form of these kind of concentric squares, and then with color, pattern, ...”

• Francine Thompson [44:41]:
  “I tend to be a perfectionist and having an outlet with sewing ... just trust yourself to create something incredible.”

Final Thoughts

This episode beautifully intertwines the personal experiences of Francine Thompson with the rich history and artistic legacy of the Gee's Bend Quilters. It serves as a testament to how art can emerge from adversity, fostering community and enduring impact. Through engaging dialogue and profound insights, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the Quilters' contributions to design history and their ongoing influence on contemporary creativity.

Resources Mentioned

• Souls Grown Deep Foundation: A comprehensive resource on Gee's Bend Quilters. (Link provided in show notes)
• Francine Thompson’s Social Media:
  • Instagram: Francine A. Thompson
  • TikTok: Fran's Little Life
  • Website: Francine's Website

This structured and detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, providing a comprehensive overview for listeners who haven't tuned in. It highlights key discussions, notable quotes with proper attribution and timestamps, and offers clear sections to enhance readability.