Worldbuilding and the Imagination
Every imagined world begins in the quiet territory of the mind, taking life through the real things we know: mountain dust, the grain of wood, the music of spoken voices, and the weave of worn cotton. Making a story is an act of worldbuilding, gathering fragments—memories, geography, scraps of talk, and inventive leaps—until a whole picture emerges.
In this lively, hands-on workshop, we will explore creative writing and worldbuilding through the folk tradition of the story quilt. Drawing inspiration from Faith Ringgold’s painted story quilts, the bold collage work of Gee’s Bend, and Mexico’s rich textile legacies of Otomí embroidery and woven rebozos, we will look at how the rhythms of our voices parallel the craft of working with cloth.
No writing or craft experience is necessary. Together, we will draft micro-tales, miniature myths, and vivid sensory scenes, then mount our words into our own individual story-quilt squares using paper, board, and fabric collage.
Bring a favorite fabric scrap or swatch with a personal story—a ribbon, a corner of a bandana, or a remnant from home. A selection of local Mexican cottons, colorful fabrics, glue, and collage supplies will also be provided. Come ready to write, cut, paste, and create together.