Ouravatar is a detail from a suzani, hand embroidered silk and cotton textiles traditionallybegun at the birth of a daughter for her dowry. A suzani’s circular motifsrepresent Gardens of Eden, reminders of an abundant life here in an earthly paradise.
These circles imply connection, the arcs of bridges spanning divides andeven cultures. Colorful rainbows leading to brighter futures, eternal curves encompassingthe hands-on-hips symbol of strong women, as stitched in Turkic handcrafts for millennia. In 2011, we’ll take the energy of this sustaining form into creating a culture in whichgirls and women, from Turkey, but also from around our globe, draw from thestrength and beauty of these cultural arts and remake them to empowerthemselves, their families and their communities.
It’s now 2011 in Turkey, where Abit is, and still 2010 in California, where I am. We’re temporarily bridging years for these 10 hours, but I’m eager to get back to being our creative, craftivist force for bridging cultures.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, wherever you may be!
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