Rex Escargot Begonia leaves
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| Out Of Memory |
Until August 24, my intent was to base my spiral quilt on the Rex Escargot begonia plant that I have been "baby-ing" since I bought it last spring. It was kind of a sad little plant, but has been thriving in my kitchen ever since. I am fascinated with its spiraling green and silver leaves. It was also this plant that inspired the theme. On August 24, a college friend and I, whom I had not seen in at least 18 years, were finally able to get together and we had a wonderful few hours talking non-stop. At one point, we were discussing where we had traveled over the past few years and I mentioned that I had gone to New York City with 3 friend ( including Nedra ) in March 2011 specifically to see an exhibit of 651 red & white quilts. I went on to explain that it was the way that the quilts were hung, with the center display spiraling up to the ceiling that was truly amazing. Hmmmmmm....SPIRALING up to the ceiling...a light bulb moment! After that, I was "off and running" in a completely different direction, but one that I was so much more interested in working with. I really am quite pleased that I now have a quilt which "honors" a most magical experience.
Some of the images from bottom left are: knife, folk & spoon representing all of the wonderful food that we had; the next image is of Central Park, which we walked though to get to the Park Avenue Armory where the exhibit was held. The red image on the upper left is the front of the armory with the exhibit banner. The red image on the right is of the quilts spiraling up to the ceiling and the last image is of the back of my camera, which informed me after being at the exhibit for no more then 10 minutes that it was OUT OF MEMORY! Needless to say I was not happy, but had to laugh as it was not just the camera that was out of memory. Had I still been using a film camera I would have remembered to bring at least 5 extra rolls of film, but it never occurred to me to bring an extra memory card!
I am most grateful to my friend Carol Babineau for "inverting" two of my photographs ( kind of turns them into a negative ) which allowed me a better image to make a screen from.
The only "quilting" on this piece is the 2 machine stitched New York Beauty block arcs, which originally were to be hand stitched and after seeing Alice's stitching on her spiral quilt I am sorry that I did not follow though by doing the same.
It came out fabuolous! So very cool.
ReplyDeleteI am blown away by this richly detailed quilt! What a fabulous idea, to incorporate the way the red and white quilts were hung with all the other images that you managed to so ingeniously include in this true work of art. And how clever of you to think about quilting with New York Beauty block arcs, to tie in where the exhibit was held with your quilting. Great work, Andrea!
ReplyDeleteWould have loved to see the "Rex Escargot" one!! Great name and beautiful plant.
ReplyDeleteBut, glad you had a light bulb moment.
This is a truly spectacular piece and what a memento of our trip!!! I think the inverted image of the spiraling quilts is stunning, the other details so pertinent and the name is just perfect!! We are too often out of memory these days!! Fabulous!!
This is a treasure of a quilt and memory!
ReplyDeleteLove this piece! I saw pictures of this exhibit that a lady had taken when she went. I tried not to envy, but WOW what an opportunity to see such an incredible display. Glad you and Nedra were able to see it! You really told the story well and it makes me feel like I got to travel with you. The red words printed on the binding is such a nice touch. I love the depth of your work.
ReplyDeleteA very clever quilt Andrea. I loved reading about your visit to the red and white exhibit and your depiction of all of the elements in your memory of that cherished event. And the spiral collection of quilts is just perfect! Fun!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful design!! I remember reading about this display and seeing photographs of this display and wishing I could have seen it. Thank you for sharing your personal take on it.
ReplyDeleteI saw this piece in person, and even though it's a great photo, it does not do Andrea's work justice! Beautifully layered images, terrific design and a wonderful description! Love it, Andrea!
ReplyDeleteAndrea, My husband, Randy, who did the mosaic of all of our quilts last time for Alice, is as much excited about this reveal time as I am. With that said, I thought you would be pleased to know that your Out of Memory is his favorite.
ReplyDeleteHi Rita...I am pleased! Thank you for letting me know & please thank Randy for me!
DeleteAndrea, your statement jumped off the screen at me. (... I was "off and running" in a completely different direction, but one that I was so much more interested in working with.) This attitude sums up the difference between 'an okay' versus 'a great' outcome! When we are truly inspired, great results occur. Your piece speaks volumes about how much thought you invested into it every step of the way - inspite of a forgotten memory card. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are just full of laughs for me! Then, what a begonia...and again, your usual super graphics. How wonderful the light bulb moment since it turned this piece into a true journal quilt...special memory of significant moment(s).
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this quilt ! Anything having to do with graphic arts, photography, and screening sends me over the top ! Beautiful work, wonderful story, outstanding composition. I'd love to take some classes using the different techniques you incorporated in this piece. Bravo ! Fantastic !
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