Freedom Quilt received Second Place in the Forever Free Emancipation Poster Contest.

Artist Statement:

Freedom quilts were supposedly used in the underground railroad. They were said to have contained secret messages in the patterns that helped runaway slaves escape to the North. I wanted my piece to somewhat mimic a quilt by using a colorful paper collage for the background.  I wanted to make a narrative that read like a picture book, from left to right, from bondage to freedom. Since there is no text, it was important that the piece show that the journey to freedom was like a light at the end of a dark tunnel; a beam of light or a star that would signify that the chains of bondage were broken, and that you’ve arrived. You’re free!

Researching and creating this piece was heartbreaking. In reality we know there’s nothing vibrant or happy when it comes to speaking about slavery. As a young African American, it’s important for me to know my family history and realize all the pain and all the struggle my ancestors had to go through just so I can be telling you this right now. That risking their lives meant that their children and grandchildren would be born free and that I would be born free and live to tell my children to take pride in our history.

Jerrica Fields

March 2011

Senior in Fine Arts, Columbus College of Art & Design

Media: Mixed