FAITH RINGGOLD

Painter, sculptor, writer, human rights activist

Developed a new art form: Painted ‘Story Quilts’

Faith was born in Harlem, New York, and was growing up during the 1930s great depression. Memories of her childhood are already full of colours, interesting people (jazz musicians) and painting. Her dad bought her the first easel, and when she was often at home with her mum due to her asthma problems, she would spend days drawing and painting. 

She started painting quilts because she was compelled to cover large surfaces and tell stories with her art. Quilts were also part of her African American heritage that she embraced. Until then painted quilts were not considered ‘art’ in the west and were not being shown in art galleries. 

To paint on a stretched canvas would not allow Faith to paint big enough, while the un-stretched linen was ideal. Faith could paint on it and then roll it up at the end of the day to store.

Every artist who is painting in any kind of restricted conditions understands how important it is to find a good way to create art in size or with media they love while managing the practical part of it.

Faith Ringgold, Woman on a Bridge: Tar Beach, 1988. 

Acrylic paint, canvas, printed fabric, ink and thread

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, NY

Tar Beach

Tar Beach – in 1990 – a storybook published with full colour illustrations by Faith, then followed by more than 20 beautiful storybooks with her amazing art illustrations. 

‘Sleeping on Tar Beach was magical. Lying on the roof in the night, with stars and skyscraper buildings all around me, made me feel rich, like I owned all that I could see.’

Faith had a wonderful family, her parents would not limit her life choices. They always wanted her to go to college and when she chose a nearby college, it did not strike strange to her or her mum that there were only white boys going in and out of the school gates. 🙂 

When she was applying to study art they told her that a girl cannot major in art. The school advised her to study art as minor and teaching as major, which was allowed for women. So she would take it and then was painting and teaching for several decades.  

‘All you need is somewhere to go that you can’t get to any other way. The next thing you know, you’re flying among the stars.’ 

Faith was also a leading activist for black women rights and was exploring the topics of racial and sexual inequality through her art career. She captured these topics in an amazing “American People Series” and a very famous painting ‘Die’. The painting was inspired by “Guernica,” and hangs now alongside several of Picasso’s iconic paintings.

‘I became fascinated with the ability of art to document the time, place, and cultural identity of the artist.‘

Faith Ringgold, American People Series: Die, 1967

MOMA, NY

Inspiration from Faith 

• Nobody can tell you what your story is. Only you can. 
• Experiment with different ways of expression to find a unique way that will work just for you
• Fearlessness 
• Perseverance – Being left out so many times, so many doors closed. 
• Being older you become more free 
• You don’t have to settle with what you were given

My poster with Faith’s quote

Faith Ringgold – official website