Andrea Carter’s work in the “Legacy of the Cloth,” an exhibit housed in Chapel Hill Town Hall, showcases colorful fabrics and quilted art that reflects how cloth connects people, history and creativity.
Carter, the artist behind the pieces in this exhibit and an active member of the African-American Quilt Circle of Durham, said this exhibit is a collection of art that she has made over the years. Additionally, most of the pieces are representative of what she knows and is continuing to learn about African and African American culture.
“Back during the time of our enslavement, [African American quilts were] mostly a utility,” Carter said. “You know, it's a function. It was to keep you warm. It was to kind of be sustainable before sustainability became popular. You had to stay warm to take care of your family. So that sense of nurturing was important for me to try to channel.”
She draws inspiration from her family legacy; her grandmother had a sewing machine and her mother was a seamstress, from whom she learned over the years.
Throughout her career as a seamstress, Carter said she primarily worked with contemporary European styles, leaving her with limited opportunities to explore African clothing, textiles and culture. Since retiring, she has deepened her understanding of African fabrics and prints, discovering their rich meanings and cultural significance.
“You do want to have a presence that's meaningful, because when you're making clothes, that's meaningful because people need to wear stuff,” Carter said in reference to why she has chosen to display her pieces. “But, I wanted to do something that would hopefully leave some sort of legacy for my children and for young people, to see what could be done with your imagination and with your education and knowledge.”
Carter said she hopes the exhibition will serve as both an appreciation and an educational experience of African culture while also setting an example for young people.
