Quilting Arts magazine (Summer 2005) challenged readers to create and submit small (8 1/2" x 11") self - portraits . I conceptualized a few ideas, then, decided to select one of my photographs and manipulate it in a computer program.

[© 2005, Marlene O'Bryant-Seabrook, "8 1/2" x 11"]

After researching the meaning of several colors, I chose green as the foreground because the color is associated with growth. I am perpetually growing-- experimenting and learning new things. I auditioned several background colors, then, decided on pink which is perfect for my self portrait. Salmon Pink and Apple Green are the colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. of which I have been a member for more than fifty years.

My adult children, who call me "Muv"(rhymes with love),tell me that I’m only retired on paper. In addition to being a member of several organizations, I serve on three Boards and as an Administrative Substitute for the Charleston Country School District. As I thought about my family, frequent meetings, art projects, travel, etc., I had to admit that I’m constantly wearing many different hats.

I printed the manipulated photo and photos of several hats, representing various facets of my life, on 100% cotton fabric. After cutting out, arranging, and fusing the hats, I added embellishments which include crystals, various ribbons, a feather, and the gold metallic tassel on the doctoral (Ph.D.)tam. The piece is machine quilted.

The hats (arranged aesthetically from L-R,) are labeled: Scholar, Church Member, College Trustee, Fiber Artist, Mother/Grandmother/Great-Grandmother, Community Organizations Member, Lecturer, and Educator. Because many of my involvements are service oriented, I thought that "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" was an appropriate song for this page.

Quilting Arts magazine received 496 creative self-portraits from all over the world. "Muv Wears Many Hats" is one of 75 selected to tour at the following venues during 2006:

International Quilt Festival; Rosemont, IL; APRIL 7-9. www.quilts.com

International Quilt Market; Minneapolis, MN; MAY 19-21. www.quilts.com

Festival of Quilts; Birmingham, England; AUGUST 17 -20. www.twistedthread.com

American Sewing Expo; Novi, MI; SEPTEMBER 29- OCTOBER 1. www.americansewingexpo.com

Pacific International Quilt Festival; Santa Clara, CA; OCTOBER 12-15.

International Quilt Festival; Houston, TX; NOVEMBER 2-5. www.quilts.com