Sunday, August 05, 2012

Impressionistic

This piece "impressionistic", sort of a blend of Monet, Gauguin, and VanGogh?  It is a collage type 'painting using nothing but paper-towel mop-up  pieces from my dye sessions.  The pieces are as tiny as less than 1/8th inch and up, all torn and glued onto a muslin backing that was fused to fleece batting.  After all the pieces were in place, I finished with a Matte Medium. 

I am posting two views of my (unfinished) piece. My Art Critic (read hubby) wants me to leave it with ragged edges showing.  My question to you is ...would it look better, more finished, trimmed ?

Also, any suggestions for quilting?  There is so much tiny detail in the piece, I worry that quilting could interfere...advice?  This technique quilts easily, but I'd hate to ruin it.
It measures 18"x28"
Your opinions and advice would be most gratefully received
Cherie


10 comments:

Nancy Schlegel said...

I'd leave the ragged edges-they correspond with the ragged edges of the paper towels. I love the piece as it is and really don't have any suggestions for quilting. Hope someone does.

Ann In Fallbrook, CA said...

I also prefer the ragged edges. Have you tried quilting through paper? My attempts haven't been all that great. Even with the gel medium the paper tends to lift and tear away. Anyway, I would suggest just a minimum of stitching, may only enough to define the horizon, some of the clouds, and a few flowers. Hope I can see this in person soon!

Sharon Robinson said...

Another vote for ragged. It is in keeping with the character of the piece. I agree also with minimal quilting, it doesn't need added detail or interest, it's great as it is. Maybe just enough to keep it together?

Julia in NZ said...

Hi cherie

Wonderful piece. Love the sky in particular. Never thought I would say this, but a few lines of hand stitching to separate the main elements is probably all that is needed, and would probably be safer than machine.

Meena said...

I love the ragged look, too.
Minimal quilting would look great.

Unknown said...

I am in agreement with the above statements. The ragged edge adds interest and character to the piece. I also feel that minimal quilting is all that is called for because of the texture of the piece. If you are concerned about pieces lifting, you could add a piece of tulle over the top which blends in well. This is a lovely piece and tell your husband that he has a good eye for what looks right!

ann said...

GORGEOUS! This is a real winner.

I would suggest that you leave the edges raw, mount it on stiff board and then put it in a frame. Be sure to leave some more space around the piece. OR if that is not possible, put a matte or two on, but still leave the edges showing. I think this piece is very powerful. It will have more impact with more 'space' around the edges. Also, you might consider glass to protect it, but not touching it.

Cherie in Del Mar said...

Thank you to all for the nice comments, opinions and advice, I really do
appreciate it and will take it all into consideration.

To answer a few questions;

I used Elmer's school glue to adhere the pieces to a muslin backing and to each
other, then covered with Matte Medium...it's actually very well sealed at this
point. I've done this before, and had no problem with machine stitching , so
I don't think I need the tulle (I have used tulle a lot, and use mono
extensively). I just worry about distorting the tiny detail with stitching.

I have never seen anyone do this before. As far as I know, it's my own idea.
Can't stand to throw away those gorgeous mop towels The first one I did was in
response to a challenge to use only recycled materials.

This is a lot of fun to do and makes a pliable, pretty stable fabric. I'd love
to see what others so inclined to try it come up with. I love the blurred, sort
of watercolor effect of the torn and blended edges.

Pam Harris said...

Ve ry nice piece! Cleaver use of the mop rags. I vote for ragged and no quilting.

Silvia "OrkaLoca" Dell'Aere said...

I'm for ragged edges too :)
I'm speachless, it's wonderful!