Desert Quilters of Nevada hosted their annual quilt show at the Henderson Convention Center this past weekend. With over 230 entries, the show represents works from their 450 membership.
Sargasso Sea, my most recent textile art piece, received a
first place in it's category, Non-Representational Art Quilt. During
judging there was some discussion about the legality of the piece. Did
it fit the definition of a quilt, having three layers with stitch
through all three? Recently, I have been putting a layer of organza
silk which is somewhat see through of the backside of my fiber art.
This allows the viewer to see the backside of the stitching. In quilting
circles this is considered a false back, one that has not been stitched
through. Ultimately, more discussion is needed to define what is an
art quilt. What I know is that it is not a traditional quilt.
Therefore I question the norm of judging it as such. I hope someday in
the near future Art Quilts will be judged as art with a focus on design
rather than traditional quilt techniques alone.
Sargasso
Sea was inspired by the distinctive color elements found in the
Sargasso Sea, the yellow Sargasso kelp and the aqua blue sea. The two
panels together measure 36 by 52 inches. Each panel consists of hand
dyed of cotton, linen and silk. Paint and hand stitch emphasized
currents found in the sea. The two panels together measure 36 inches
wide by 52 inches long.
I love the process of creating
and working with fiber, dyes, paint, and stitch. In the beginning of a
piece, I usually have a conceptual idea which morphs as the work
progresses. While the work is in process it hangs on a predominant wall
in our
family room. Daily viewing helps me determine where more stitch is
needed. I love painting and absolutely enjoy hand stitching and using
simple stitches to create movement, add texture, and apply more
color. The totality of the process feeds my soul.
Below are more pictures showing the paint and stitch details. Enjoy !!!
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| Sargasso Sea - 2017 |
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| Selection of Blocks |
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| Stitch detail #1 |
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| Stitch detail #2 |
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| Stitch detail #3 |
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| Stitch detail #4 |
