**early life and inspiration** irene williams, an american artist from gee's bend, alabama, was born in 1920. her upbringing on a farm with her family, who raised livestock and grew crops like cotton and watermelon, would later influence her unique quilting style. **quilting in solitude** williams began making quilts after marrying cornelius williams and starting a family. unlike other quilters of her time, she worked in solitude, unin…