Saturday, October 11, 2008

Self Portrait '08

Self Portrait '08
22" x 17"
 Serendipity strikes! I started this little quilt in Pamela Allen's class this last May. It was a real stretch for me to make a quilt without drawing it first. Uncomfortable. I am not sure I will always choose to work this way, but it does have some real advantages. I am startled by the way it totally captured the essence of the moment for me. It was a crazy, hectic day. And, although this quilt does not look like me, it does show exactly how I was feeling. How does that work???
And though you will see this quilt in Houston this year, it is unlikely you will see the back, so I had to show it to you here.

I found a pool filter on the curb, at least I think that is what it was.... a big round, ribbed rubber gasket looking thingy. Perfect! I grabbed it and tried making prints with it. I found it cumbersome to use and ultimately did not like any of the prints I made with it. Which is why I took it to Pamela's class. I planned to use it for the back of something, because I didn't mind risking it. Imagine my surprise when I quilted this and then flipped it over and found another image on the back, totally unexpected!! I think it looks like an afro, but my friend, Marcia Kaylakie, says it looks like a madonna image. She said to use a see-through fabric for the hanging tube so that more of the image would show. So, I replaced the cobalt blue hanging tube with white organza.
Embellishments include: copper wire, lots of fish beads, coffee beads, shells, flower buttons, spiral beads, a big button, an itunes gift card cut into the shape of an ipod. And as an added bonus, it was really fun to work with some of my own batiked fabrics!

9 comments:

Denise Felton said...

Fabulous and fascinating! I've scheduled a link to this post to go live on my blog later this morning (Central USA time). I hope it brings you a few extra clicks.

Denise
http://needlework.craftgossip.com

Jamie Fingal said...

It is so you! Love the vibrant colors and the textures - oh so fun!
Jamie

Vivien Zepf said...

Great! What exhibit will it be in?

Kathy York said...

Denise, Thank you!
Jamie, Thanks for stopping by! Always good to hear from you. I used wool felt for one of my background fabrics. It is so soft and puffs up when you quilt it. Fun stuff!
Vivien, Sorry I should have been more clear. It's in the judged show, Quilts, a World of Beauty. Can't remember which category, but it did when a prize! I wonder which one???
kathy

Anonymous said...

THAT is delightful! Love your use of colors and textures is wonderful. The rest of the art quilts on your blog are equally delightful.
Andee

Linda Teddlie Minton said...

Kathy, I've enjoyed visiting your blog before, but this was the best! Creating a quilt without sketching is something I'm not good at ... yet ... but your success has encouraged me to try again.
cheers,
Linda

Martha Tsihlas said...

Hi Kathy, I saw your quilt in Houston, I recognized your style from a mile away. Congrats on the award!!

susan lewis storey said...

Kathy, LOVE the portrait!!! In Houston it just captivated me from across the room and I had to move toward it. Surprise..it was yours! Good to see you in Houston at Festival! Your work is incredible as always!
Susan

http://www.susanstorey.com
http//www.susanstorey.blogspot.com

skye said...

Fabulous piece & also gives me the idea of working that way!! Yay! Congratulations!!!