Next up in the Meet Our Members feature is Wilma Gerard. Wilma is knowledgeable, talented, and so generous with her knowledge of quilting, as well as her excitement over learning new skills. Her work beautifully intersects historical traditions and personal style.
Name
Wilma Gerard
Pronouns
She/her/hers
When I saw the work that the quilters, both ladies and men, were doing, I was fascinated by the improvisational nature and bold use of color, and I was hooked.
What city do you live in?
Norfolk
What kind of maker are you? (Include sewing and any other mediums you work in)
I consider myself a fiber artist. I’ve done quilting, garment sewing, fabric collage and most recently, I’m learning to weave.
How long have you been sewing/quilting?
I began sewing in junior high school. When I think of some of the things that I made and proudly wore, I cringe! But I enjoyed sewing and really enjoyed buying fabric.
How many quilts have you made?
Over the last 30 years, I’ve made more than I can remember.
What (and/or who) got you into sewing?
The mother of a friend of mine was a member of the “Freedom Quilting Bee,” a quilting cooperative, founded Alabama in 1966. These Black women created the enterprise to generate income for their families. When I saw the work that the quilters, both ladies and men, were doing, I was fascinated by the improvisational nature and bold use of color, and I was hooked.
If you could describe your style in three words, what would they be?
My style is evolving – (oops 4 words)!
What is one goal you have for sewing/quilting?
For years, I was very happy to personalize traditional blocks, using a pattern and tweaking it to make it more “me.” Recently, I’ve been inspired by Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi, and I’ve begun to use my craft to tell stories of people of the African diaspora.
Where can people find you and your work? Website? Socials?
In Norfolk. I’m not on social media.
Meet More of Our Members
Want to join us?
Check out one of our upcoming events, or head on over to our membership page to become a member of HRMQG