Ep 21: SOFT BULK Talking Quilts with Ai Kijima, Zak Foster, Luke Haynes, & Heidi Parkes

[@elemenopeepee]

It is a bold request to "politely" ask artists to disconnect from themselves, their art, and their culture in any space, but particularly in their OWN space, which is purposefully dedicated to discussing it! Love you guys, and am so thankful for Soft Bulk.

[@tonyaakaelijahdieker2543]

Matthew 19:12 says God prefers same-sex relationships and anyone saying otherwise is now part of the Great Tribulation that started September 1st until they either accept truth or die. That means they will experience more torment until they either accept the fact God prefers same-sex relationships or they will wait too long and die with the wicked.

[@antonyperring2464]

Thank you Zak - not just for your response to that comment, but for the creativity and thoughtfulness of the response. Art as response to the world is powerful and heartfelt. X

[@tonyaakaelijahdieker2543]

Matthew 19:12 says God prefers same-sex relationships and anyone singing otherwise is now in the Great Tribulation that started September 1st until they either repent or die

[@debbiesoleildierkes7602]

Wow, Ep. 21 is a multifaceted gem! Thank you Zak, for your meaningful response to the idea sublimating ideas that make us uncomfortable. I'm 65 and the statement of "going back in the closet" struck me as scary, lonely and ridiculous. Thank you Luke, for the rolling thought process on making art today as we have many rich histories to draw from and explore. Thank you Heidi, for bringing this all together! I appreciate your generosity in all that you share and teach us. Ai Kijima, your dedication of being true to yourself as an artist exploring thoughtfully in the studio is well expressed in your incredible work. I loved hearing your stories as you connected it all to creating your own Silk Road. I look forward to seeing your work in a gallery someday, what a treat that will be!

[@mjohnson8015]

Beautiful response Zac. Thank you

[@carolynforster3274]

i think art in whatever medium should open conversations. I loved Zak's response to his received email, as I love many of his quilts and the way he talks about them. That has been one of the lovely things about SoftBulk, all three makers talking about their work on a regular basis. And always worth listening back to past episodes. Thank you.

[@hkreca622]

Zak, I love the two quilts that you showed today. Your stitching on the house dress is beautiful.

[@beverlysmith6612]

magnificent conversations everyone! Love your work Ai 💞💓💝

[@margiebruton7913]

You zac are a totally inspirational man. I wouldn't want to miss a moment of your input no matter how long it takes it takes rock on man you.....are a legend 🐞

[@bethconroy8045]

I still come back to this to listen to Ai and her connection with countries and the progression of her work.

[@HeidiParkes]

It's so exciting that all 4 of us are in an exhibition together right now in South Bend, Indiana at the South Bend Museum of Art, up till mid November 2024. ❤️ Seeing Ai's work in person and up close at the show was really amazing. It lays so flat, with clean edges- impeccable craftsmanship.

[@billclason1]

There's "Art", Art, and truly great art.Ai's work is the latter. Stunned silence is our response.They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but real beauty is universally recognized, even by untrained eyes.

[@quil10it]

Thank you for introducing AI’s work. It’s a true compliment to a culture to work with textiles from a country honoring the history of the people who had them before. Zak your response to the”stiff criticism “ was spot on. I will remember that idea when I’m uncomfortable (which you have never made me feel….just saying…) why am I feeling that way. It’s not how I feel but how I deal with how I feel… so true so good. Keep doing what your doing!

[@tonyaakaelijahdieker2543]

Matthew 19:12 says God prefers same-sex relationships and anyone saying otherwise is now in the Great Tribulation that started September 1st and that means they will experience more torment until they either repent or die

[@lswhalen1]

This edition is such a generous gift! Thank you Ai, Zak, Heidi and. Luke. I am so enriched by the beautiful work, the discussion, honesty, openness and soul you all share. Thank you ❤

[@hkreca622]

Ai Kijima, I am crazy about your collage art. I must try this. Love you all and always enjoy your talks.

[@lauree8165]

i love you guys so much

[@cindysugden6943]

Absolutely blown away by Ai Kijima’s body of work, so rich I will have to revisit it more intimately. Thank you so much Soft Bulk for sharing this shiny gem.

[@cbizshiz]

such a respectful, creative, thoughtful response to what I think was a cruel and bigoted request

[@mickeymcreynolds3502]

I'm 70. That's a ridiculous ask. I love hearing all you have to share.

[@skyjuiceification]

Ai's works are so vibrant and punchy in person. kind of like an LSD trip.

[@lauree8165]

zak this reminded me of germans who say their family had no nazis. the struggle is real.