Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Andrea's Canyon







Concrete Canyon
raw edged hand-dyed cotton, organza








Canyon....hmmmm, was my first reaction, however a concept began to emerge very quickly after I read Kathy's "think stratigraphy" suggestion.  Strips or "layers" of hand-dyed fabric began dancing in my head.  I dyed some fabric a couple of years ago that I love, but had not had the opportunity to use so was thrilled to think that it would be perfect for this quilt.  I was also intrigued to think that this would be different from most of my other work: no silk-screened images!  My original plan (see photo)  
was a very simple one...just thin strips of layered fabric and lots of stitching, but then I remembered that cities with large skyscrapers are sometimes referred to as "concrete canyons", and as a city girl this really appealed to me!  From that thought I decided to do my layering, stitching and then chop that "fabric" up into rectangles that would represent buildings.  I'm very pleased with the results and had a great time making this piece...thank you Kathy for giving me this opportunity!

9 comments:

  1. Ah, well done! Love the use of your hand dyed fabrics here. It looks like concrete and steel structures with reflections of the warm rays of the sun to me. And so out of your box!! Great!

    ReplyDelete
  2. This is so different from what I expected from you! Bravo!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Well, Andrea, a kindred spirit! Your fabrics are just lovely and I'm glad you've found such a good use for them. And like the other two commenters above, this really surprised me. Love it that you surprised us so!

    ReplyDelete
  4. A unique solution! Love your colors and the modern feel to your piece. Unexpected in a lovely way!!! Kudos's to you

    ReplyDelete
  5. The hand dyed fabrics were the perfect choice for this piece. It must have been hard to cut up the piece you made first because it is beautiful. The way you made this quilt gives me a sense that it is sunset where some of the building capture the sunlight and others are shadowed by the buildings around it. Nice job.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh this is perfection. I wish I had done it...and as Judy said, tough to cut up that first piece...I didn't realize on my first read through. I just LOVE LOVE it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Our quilt beginnings were similar and then you soared! I'd intended to cut my fabric to form a canyon in the distance but just couldn't bring myself to it. You win the bravery award and high praise for a beautiful lively canyon piece.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Andrea ! Wow ! What a truly unique approach to my challenge word ! You pursued "stratigraphy" and made it real through your use of color, shape, line and perspective. And how cool that you brought a "Concrete Canyon" to life :-D Isn't it great to finally have these opportunities to use our hand-dyed & rust-dyed fabrics !

    ReplyDelete
  9. Interesting concept and wonderful color combinations, Andrea!

    ReplyDelete