Friday, January 16, 2015

Rita's MODERN: A Slice of Time or Modern Today, Not Tomorrow

This quilt challenge was just that for me, a challenge.  I first thought of Modern Art (do not really appreciate it).  Then I considered the genre of Modern Quilts (they do not really appeal to me).  My Dear Husband was campaigning for a depiction of the evolution of a primitive outhouse to modern toilet facilities (don’t think so!).  So what do I do? However, Randy did jog my thinking of how things change over time and what was once modern very quickly becomes outdated.  Automobiles are such an example.  In my original concept, I was going to use five vehicles: 1. horse drawn buggy  2. 1911 Model T  3. 1957 Chevy  4. 1994 Buick and  5. 2015 Corvette.  The patterns were sized for all five and a portion of each was chosen (from the back of the buggy to the front of the Corvette.)  But as I started to work, I quickly realized this was not going to work because a slice that narrow allowed me so little room for the background.   I then made the decision to eliminate 2 of the vehicles and what you see here is the Model T, the ’57 Chevy, and the 2015 Corvette.

I first decided on the sky and earth for each slice and seamed them together.  I then created the background scenes:  a country farm scene, a drive-in diner, and the Dallas skyline. The autos were then overlaid on top of the backgrounds.  Everything is fused raw edge applique which is then quilted around all of the hard edges.  Colored pencils were used to add some highlights and a bit of color in a few places.


On our first round of little art quilts, my self-imposed rule was that each 12 x 12 would be gallery wrapped around a wooden frame.  On my Contrast (the October reveal and 1st of this series), I added a small flange and a traditional binding.  I have decided this finish will be my “new rule”.  For Modern, I used an off white flange and a black binding.

11 comments:

  1. Phenomenal Rita! So, so clever. I just love how your ideas evolved from rejected modern art and modern quilts to toilets and then automobiles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Another masterful work by you Rita!! Very cleverly conceived and executed. I am most impressed with the Corvette as you have achieved subtle but very effective dimension on that car. Bravo!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What a way to make a grand entry! Saving the best for last. Absolutely love this! Way too clever for the rest of us. Great idea, flawless execution, delightful depiction. Hope hubby is resting comfortably.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a fabulous quilt and idea. I really like how you used the background and the car time periods. Wonderfully done!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh Rita!!! This is absolutely fabulous! What a clever idea. This is my very favorite of the modern quilts - and from one who claims she can't do whimsical! You nailed it girlfriend!

    ReplyDelete
  6. So special!!!!! Just love everything about this

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have to say and I know that NO one will feel hurt: this is my all time favorite quilt of all the MM quilts we have done. What a high bar you have set for us Rita! Phenomenal in basic idea and absolutely mind blowing in execution. Congratulations!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Absolutely FABULOUS ! From the conceptual development to your perfect delivery, truly a masterpiece !

    (I planning to be at the Waco Quilt Guild meeting on Monday, Jan. 19 and look forward to seeing your quilt there. I'll bring mine too !)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Singularly interesting. Love the automobiles and each background.
    NM (friend of Alice)

    ReplyDelete