Challenge 88: Water and Wind

Challenge Hostess: Pat Findlay

Title: Water and wind

Theme: Create an image that shows the way the flow of water and/or wind can change things, over time.

Technique:  Free motion quilting

Due date:  Jan. 4, 2014

Both water and wind can move objects, sometimes minute objects, over time.  Sometimes the effect can be as simple as a gentle rain or breeze on our faces, or moving our hair, and is often indicated by repetitive lines or waves.  Over time the effect can be huge.

The result of this type of action can create a sense of awe within in us. Think of the way wind can sculpt a sand dune, or water erode a shore line, over time. Snow drifts can be both beautiful and sometimes a little threatening.  Think of the strata exposed in rock faces eroded by flowing water. You could show the actual action happening or maybe the result of the event over time. 

Similarly, you could use the technique of repetitive lines to show the effect on a skirt,  or even the fur of an animal.

Resources:

Judith G. Glover: www.judithgloverart.com?2011/09/16/beach-at-fort-fisher/

Roxanne Lessa, desert series: http://tinyurl.com/FFFC88-1  

Archived work of Charlotte Ziebart: http://www.charlotteziebarth.com/archived-work/ 

Claudia C.M. Raffi: www.cladiacamraffi.deviantart.com/art/water-and-wind-195950934

Tom Thomson: www.ago.net/the-west-wind

Marcia Baldwin: www.ebsqart.com/artist/marci-baldwin/5960/art-portfolio/thunder-wind/425777/ or http://tinyurl.com/FFFC88-2

Elizabeth Lunday: www.lunday.com/stormy-weather-wind-rain-and-lightening-in-art/

As well as the above, the usual Google images also show some excellent examples of the repetitive lines and curves that result from the long term effect of wind and water.

Google images of :

            wind effect on snow

            water lines in sand

wind action on sand

strata in rock formations

And one final note: have fun with this!

Butterfly Mobile

When I saw the mention of butterfly mobiles I got excited and inspired.  The first butterfly took 4 days.  I used florist wire for the stiffening.  Unfortunately, it is not strong enough to do what I wanted.  I have already made wings for 7 more butterflies.  Not sure how I will handle those.  For now, I hope you can imagine the movement.  Because they are so light weight, it takes very little to set them in motion.  That is my favorite LIKE about this project.

Butterfly Dreams

25" x 21"

"Once upon a time, Chuang Chou dreamed that he was a butterfly, a butterfly flitting about happily enjoying himself. He didn't know that he was Chou. Suddenly he awoke and was palpably Chou. He didn't know whether he were Chou who had dreamed of being a butterfly, or a butterfly who was dreaming that he was Chou."

The web is full of philosophical musings about this story (alternate name given as Zhuangzi) from 200-300 BC.  I decided that it had to be depicted with the contemplative philosopher meditating as an image on a butterfly wing, and originally thought of using reds and oranges, but it was the purple satin that led itself to become the sage's robe, and the purple and blue scraps to define the wings.  I made a couple of butterfly stamps and used some purple gauze as the wing surface, cutting out the other butterfly shapes and sewing the edges with coppery metallic thread.

Typical of me, I allowed an extra week for everybody to complete this challenge, and took two weeks for myself!  I welcome your comments.

Butterfly - OOOOoooops

My butterfly became a dragonfly.  And I confess, I don't have a myth or legend about it.
I really like the fabric I found for the wings.  And you have to imagine stems on the flowers on the lower right.  Maybe I'll couch some yarn or ribbon for the stems.  I may tilt him a little more to the right before stitching him down.  Not sure.  What do you think??

Karol Kusmaul

Hauntingly Familiar

13"x18"
Hand-dyed and commercial cottons, crystals, fusible 
Raw edge fused applique technique 

I finally finished it!  Well almost - it still needs a binding . . .

Based on a photo of my friend, Mauri, at her cubist best with her friend lovingly looking up at her thinking that she looks hauntingly familiar. . .and somehow - she is!  

I had a great time working on this piece and I learned a lot - which is the reason why I joined this challenge list in the first place.  Working on smaller pieces makes it easier to try something new - which this month was to work in raw edge fused applique without tulle on top to hold the fraying down.  

Thank you for this opportunity to participate and share.  I LOVED the cubist slant on the challenge.  It definitely took me out of my comfort zone - in a good way! :-)

Warmest Regards,

Cheryl Casker

P.S. Your comments and critiques are welcome.