Meaning: Faith Ringgold, an American artist, writer, and activist, made this statement about her artwork. As an artist, Ringgold is known for her diverse body of work that includes paintings, quilts, sculptures, and children's books. Her quote reflects the complexity of her creative process and the emotional weight that can be attached to certain pieces of art.

In her statement, Ringgold mentions that she "had fun doing it," indicating that there was an element of enjoyment and satisfaction in the process of creating the artwork in question. This suggests that the act of creation itself brought her some degree of pleasure and fulfillment. However, she also acknowledges that the artwork holds "hard memories" for her, implying that the subject matter or the circumstances surrounding its creation are associated with difficult or painful experiences.

As an artist, Ringgold has often explored themes of race, gender, and identity in her work, addressing social and political issues through a deeply personal lens. Her art is deeply rooted in her own experiences as an African American woman, and she has used her creative practice as a means of self-expression and advocacy. It is likely that the "hard memories" she refers to in her quote are connected to the challenging subject matter she has tackled in her art, as well as the struggles and obstacles she may have faced as a minority artist working within a predominantly white, male-dominated art world.

One of Ringgold's most well-known series of works is her story quilts, which combine painting, quilt-making, and storytelling to create vibrant and powerful narratives. These quilts often depict scenes from African American history, addressing issues of racism, segregation, and resilience. Through these works, Ringgold has sought to reclaim and celebrate her cultural heritage while also shedding light on the injustices and struggles faced by African Americans throughout history. It is possible that some of these story quilts or other pieces dealing with similar themes hold the "hard memories" to which she refers, as they are deeply connected to the pain and resilience of her community.

In addition to her visual art, Ringgold is also a prolific writer and has authored several acclaimed children's books. Her storytelling abilities are evident in both her visual and literary works, as she weaves together narratives that are rich in symbolism, emotion, and social commentary. The depth and complexity of her art reflect the multifaceted nature of her experiences and perspectives as an artist, activist, and woman.

Overall, Ringgold's quote offers a glimpse into the intricate relationship between an artist and their work. It highlights the duality of creative expression, encompassing both joy and pain, and underscores the deeply personal nature of art-making. Through her willingness to confront difficult memories and experiences in her art, Ringgold invites viewers to engage with and reflect on the profound social and historical issues that continue to shape our world. Her work serves as a testament to the power of art as a vehicle for healing, empowerment, and social change.