I was a little late getting started on this one and a little late finishing. It was really fun to do as I tried a technique I have been wanting to try for a long time. The image was created by using dyes on cotton prepared with soy wax resist. I was pleasantly surprised at how much easier it was to work with the soy instead of paraffin and very happy with the lack of odor from melting the wax. It was also much easier to remove. On the other hand, I found the dyes seeped under in a few places. I may have to apply two coats to make sure I have total coverage in the future.
The piece is about the negative effects some of our human actions have on trees. The holes signify loss of trees and the writing around the outside says such things as "over population", "climate change", etc. It measures 15" x 15".
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7 comments:
This is a unique piece. I like the way you've done the leaves. It reminds me of a weeping willow tree. I'm not sure what the large, round, white areas are, but I like them. They really add some interest to your piece.
What a statement this piece makes! The leaves to me represent forests as well, so the holes make it easy to visualize the danger trees around the world are facing from these multiple threats.
Awesome quilt, tastefully done
Cherie
Yes... a quilt with a message... and as aforestated, tastefully done. I like that your leaves were done using a resist... until I read it, at first glance I thought it was a stamp. Did you do the whole piece using the resist? I just enlarged the photo and maybe you did? Cool....
I like the personal touch using your own hand writing.
Kathy, when I look at this quilt I see a lot of metaphors - the circular tree=a global problem. The holes are very disturbing... they are probably meant to be, and the leaves are upside down with the stem side away from the tree - also disturbing. Yet there is harmony there too. This piece encourages the viewer to pause and think. A very successful statement!
Thanks all! I truly appreciate the comments and love reading them. Responding to Carole's comments - I found the soy wax so much easier to work with that I did not hesitate to create the image in multiple steps, ie I applied wax, painted with dye, removed wax, applied more wax elsewhere, painted again, etc.
In regards to the "backwards" leaves - they are meant to suggest both leaves and teardrops - a true "weeping" willow!
Kathy
Kathy - This is a wonderful piece. Interesting, thought provoking, heartfelt. I am encouraged to try soy wax resist.
Great job!
Looks great, I love it! And it's a bonus that it's so meaningful too.
The writing around the outside is the perfect touch. I love it when there are little messages written in art.
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