Take Cover is a tribute to the quilters of Gee’s Bend and all the ancestors who were brought to these shores against their will. As I reflect on this series, I am reminded that quilts were originally made out of necessity—to provide warmth in homes without heat. This basic human need inspired a legacy of resourcefulness and creativity that continues to resonate.

In Take Cover, I extend that legacy by working with nontraditional materials to construct quilt-like pieces. I imagine my ancestors using whatever they had at hand—scraps, worn fabrics, castoffs—to create protective coverings for their families. In that same spirit, I incorporate palm skins, worn-out socks, repurposed objects, and small canvases featuring quilt codes—visual symbols believed to have guided travelers on the Underground Railroad.

Each piece invites you to consider the power of making do, of creating beauty and protection from scarcity. I ask you to reflect: If you had to make a quilt to keep your loved ones warm, what would you use?