Introducing Sewing Stories: An ArtsWestchester Podcast
ArtsWestchester’s large-scale fabric installation with artist Amanda Browder was put on hold due to COVID-19. Beginning June 10, a new podcast, “Sewing Stories,” will tell the stories of individuals who have been involved in the work’s creation. Below is an excerpt from the podcast’s first episode:
“My name is Barbara Glab. I was born in Poland and at age twenty-four, I came to the United States… Everybody in Poland had a [sewing] machine. After World War II, there were not that many stores and places to buy things, so people were buying fabric and making clothes for themselves. Almost every resident had a machine…I learned before I even went to school. But in school, it was just learning crochet, things like that, but not sewing, because you couldn’t bring a machine. We didn’t have those portable ones; we had machines attached to tables. But I was born with it…that craft. I like my quilts to be used, even though I put them all over my walls. Because I enjoy looking at them. It’s funny – I go from kitchen to dining room, and I say ‘Oh my God, beautiful.’ I go to the living room and I say ‘How nice!’ You have to surround yourself with things that your eyes like. And you are happy. You are getting up and you are looking at things that you like and you are a happy person, first thing in the morning.
I used to work for a civil engineering company. It started that I used to make drawings in ink. I liked that work so much. Computers just started, so everything was made by ink. I couldn’t wait for the morning to come, to go to work. But when I got older, after 20 years working with that company, later it was computers nonstop. No hand drafting. My eyes were getting more tired and more tired. So I said I have to quit, I have to quit. At that time, I couldn’t wait to get home to my sewing machine. And now, when I retired, I go to sleep and I am angry that it is dark and I cannot sew. Really! I am upset! And I say, God, let the morning come quick so I can go to my sewing machine.’ I think I am nuts!”
To listen to this and other podcast episodes, visit ArtsWestchester’s YouTube Channel.
About ArtsWestchester
Founded in 1965, ArtsWestchester is New York State’s largest private not-for-profit arts council. The leading funder and advocate for the arts in Westchester and Rockland Counties, ArtsWestchester works to create an equitable, inclusive, vibrant and sustainable community in which the arts are integral to and integrated into every facet of life. Building on its 60-year legacy, ArtsWestchester advances arts and culture by providing grants, bringing artists into schools and community centers, advocating for the arts, and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. ArtsWestchester enriches the lives of everyone in the community and operates a multi-use gallery and home for the arts at 31 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains, New York.
