Grandma & Me: A Journey of Love & Being Loved

The Art of Jyun Kiu and the Tradition of the Baijia Quilt

At 92 years old, Jyun Kiu presents a collection of works all created in the past two years, a remarkable achievement that showcases her enduring creativity. Her pieces are inspired by a unique tradition from the coastal regions of southern China—the Baijia quilt, or “Hundred Families Quilt.” This tradition is a cherished custom where a grandmother gathers fabric from neighbors, friends, and relatives to sew a quilt for her granddaughter. The materials are often humble scraps from everyday clothing, curtains, tablecloths, or leftover fabrics, each piece holding a connection to the giver.

The process of collecting fabric is a social event, filled with conversations and warmth. Through this act, the respected grandmother announces to the community that her granddaughter has grown up, and she proudly offers a piece of the family’s collective history and love. The quilt is not just a symbol of warmth but a vessel of blessings, uniting the goodwill of the grandmother’s social circle to bestow peace and happiness upon the granddaughter’s future. It carries a message: when she needs help, lend a hand; if she finds success, remind her not to forget those who supported her.

While the Baijia quilt may not be considered a formal work of fine art, it is undoubtedly a masterpiece of love. It bridges generations and, like the quilt itself, wraps those it touches in comfort, protecting against life’s hardships and offering tangible warmth. It is love in its purest, most enduring form.

Corrie van Leeuwen and the Art of Life

Corrie van Leeuwen was born in 1956 in Delft and is a grandmother to eight grandchildren. She received a Gymnasium education and later obtained K and U teaching certifications in handicrafts, but chose to teach from home to better balance her role as a mother of three daughters.

Corrie initially taught sewing, and after studying with renowned Dutch quilters, she began teaching patchwork as well. Over the years, she has explored many artistic crafts, including Tiffany glasswork, pottery, painting, and Reiki. However, it is quilting that has brought her the greatest sense of fulfillment, particularly when transforming an existing painting or photograph into a quilted masterpiece.

Her quilts have been exhibited at annual exhibitions of the Dutch Quilters’ Guild (Quiltersgilde), as well as in solo shows at the Bieslandhof and Brasserie de Gaillard in Delft. Corrie’s works are often inspired by her travels, and she uses quilting to capture the emotions and moments from those journeys. Her mastery of techniques such as patchwork, appliqué, and embroidery is evident in every piece, leaving viewers in awe of her skill.

Corrie’s creations not only reflect her deep understanding of life, but they also convey her profound love for her family and those closest to her. Every stitch in her quilts carries with it the weight of memories and emotions, perfectly embodying the idea of sharing and passing on love. Through her art, Corrie offers the purest expression of affection, moving all who experience her work.