In ancient thought, Fire, Earth, Water and Air and sometimes Spirit (something beyond the physical world) are the classical elements, the root units from which the world is formed. Hopefully the elements work in harmony!
Today, these early descriptions of elements are used in writing and graphics, paintings, tarot and astrology. In my stash, I found fabric to represent each physical element and separated them by curvy quilting. The gold represents the spiritual.
I cut gold fabric to which I had ironed Wonder Under. I punched a hole in the center of the square piece of fabric and cut a spiral from the center all the way around and back again. I fused the first spiral on the front and what was left on the reverse of the 12 x 12. I squeezed puff paint to edge the activating spiral, sprinkled gold beads atop and on the bottom, and used a hair dryer to secure. I believe I like the back better than the front.
Ah, Linda, my oldest friend among the Mavens, I see our minds were working in the same direction. Could it be that our husbands, both philosophy majors in college, influenced us at some subconscious level? You, of course, have added in Spirit, which I toyed with, but unlike you, I couldn't decide how to depict it--too literally minded, obviously, is Alice. BUT.....this quilt is beautiful. Love the gold puff paint, the spiral, the fabrics used for the other four elements. Truly lovely!
ReplyDeleteLove your interpretation of the four elements, but especially like the spiral detail/element, which is a favorite symbol of mine. I agree with you and like the back "painterly" version the best!
ReplyDeleteYour fabric choices are perfect for the elements and I like the spiritual spiral. The back is great too so you have a "twofer"!!
ReplyDeleteThis is just gorgeous, Linda! I love the FIVE elements. The spiral was a perfect choice for Spirit. My husband, too, has a PH.D. in philosophical theology, so I, too thought about this choice - and love seeing what you and Alice have done. I, like you, just love the back! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAlice I like how you visiually simplified a very complex concept, yet included all the primary 'elements'. Puffy paint and beads ~ something more for me to think about. You have two very lovely quilts in one.
ReplyDeleteCorrection - Linda, not Alice. Where is my head? I haven't had my coffees yet today.
ReplyDeleteLoved your play on words, "Hopefully the elements work in harmony!" (two of our 12 x 12 quilts in one sentence). Also great you were able to get a front / back quilt... like getting 2 quilts at the same time ! The gold spiral brings everything together - great job !
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteWow! The combo of the 4 elements and the spiritual is great! I like the back better too. It has so many colors and textures that make the spiral draw them into the center and draw the viewer into the quilt.
I like the puffy paint and bead touches. I think I like texture:) Adding beads that way is definitely the way I like to work with them.
I love both sides too! I think the front, however, portrays the element theme best. Love that you brought the elements together with the spiral.
ReplyDelete