The Universe Story

by Ace Tafoya/PoorNewsNetwork Community Journalist

When I was young I’d often lay my back against Mother Earth and face the big blue. I stare into outer space and wonder if there is truly life on other planets. A simple treasure.

Walking up the stairs at Faithful Fools Street Ministry to view "The Universe Story," 31 embroidered textiles from South Africa in honor of World Aids Day, reminded me of those times.

In the townships of Geluksdal and Tsakane, southeast of Johnannesburg, South Africa, life is not so simple. According to the press release, the population of these two townships is approximately 87,000 and the greater Brakpan area has the highest rate of unemployment. Issues such as life-long learning skills, unemployment, education and health care are major concerns of residents. HIV/AIDS continues to escalate alarmingly.

In July of 2002, work began by the Kopanang Womens Group. The project permitted these women to share life experiences while acquiring new income generating skills. They began a journey of understanding and hope. They began The Universe Story, a 31 piece embroidered textile set that chronicles the earth’s existance.

"The Narrative for the Cosmic Walk," written by Miriam McGillis, OP guides you through the 31 pieces from the Earth’s formation to galaxies emerging, to solar systems being born, to life forming all the way to today, the Story of the Universe, "being told as our sacred Story."

"This work tells the whole story of the universe and how it came to be, from the dinosaur time period to procreation to now," Rev. Kay Jorgensen from Faithful Fools Street Ministry exults to me. "They’re extraordinary!"

Yvauna Liesering, Jabulile Simelane and Sheila Flynn, OP, three of the women artists brought these lovely pieces of cloth extending more than 110 feet in length to San Francisco. Although the women are back in South Africa, these artworks linger beauty, wonderment and peace. These beauteously art pieces have the lived background of the artists involved, giving credence that all life forms are somehow connected in someway throughout the universe.

On some nights, I take my spot upon the earth and gaze up at the stars, sometimes forgetting they are there. Looking at these interlaced woven cloths, I sense the world and all of her problems: the bombs, the wars, the starving, the helpless and I put them all into one. It is truly a time for peace, I whisper to myself. This show runs throughout December 2002 at the Faithful Fools Street Ministry, located at 234 Hyde St. (between Eddy and Turk). Please call for more details and gallery times on (415) 474-0508.