Nelson Mandela, Leo Ransom

Ransom learned traditional quilt piecing from his home economics teacher in school. He returned to quilting a number of years later in 2011, and now combines portrait techniques with various forms of quilt-making. His source material comes from people he admires—including people who have died—and popular culture. In this quilt, Ransom honors the renowned world leader Nelson Mandela. This portrait of Mandela has been in five competitions and three other exhibitions. Ransom has also portrayed important women among those he honors with his quilt-making, including Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou.