B & W and Marimekko All Over
cotton, organza, screen printed, machine pieced and quilted
back
Strong contrast, strong design evoking strong memories of Harvard Square, Cambridge Ma. in the 1960's and 1970's.
I have loved the bold designs of Marimekko fabric since I first saw it in a small store called Design Research. My mother made curtains for my first apartment in 1972 from a favorite Marimekko pattern, "Ataman". Needless to say, I still have those curtains and even though they are faded and tattered, I have not been able to throw them away, but was able to recycle, at least a 12" square, for the back of this quilt.
The background is pieced using 5 different Marimekko fabrics ( I still collect them! ). The text is a paragraph about the architect Benjamin Thompson who opened Design Research in 1953 (tmagazine.
blognytimes.com/2010/09/29) screen printed on black organza and fused after quilting. I believe my love of silkscreening came after having had the opportunity to visit the Marimekko factory in Helsinki Finland in 1968, and seeing how the designs were screened onto the fabric.
During my late teenage years I spent in Harvard Square and Boylston St, Boston. I remember a place (I think it is the Society of Arts and Crafts) that sold Marimeko fabrics, which were so attractive to those who love color.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good memory that your STRONG sparks.
What an innovative way to depict this theme, Andrea! I love the strength and power of the black and white and how you've captured the beauty of these striking and original fabrics. But this quilt is more than that, for it encompasses family history and a mother's love of her daughter.
ReplyDeleteWow, amazing Andrea! I love how you are linking the MM themes to personal memories. This is fabulous and very meaningful! Congratulations on yet another well thought out and masterful piece of art!!!
ReplyDeleteWow! Another striking piece of art from you! I just love how you always document the facts and history with your screen printed text and images. Very STRONG contrast!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely illustration, I too remember Harvard Square and all the Marimekko fabric everywhere at that time. Thanks for the memories and a lovely solution.
ReplyDeleteI think you should teach screening at the Winter Workshop. Thanks for taking me back to the 60s in Harvard Square! Kathy Warren of QC knows where we can get lots of Marimekko sizeable scraps! Let's go!
ReplyDeleteOwwwww….really? I'm in!
DeleteMarimekko fabrics are so wonderful. They are making a comeback. There are a few Marimekko stores opening now. Your memory of Harvard square reminds me of Cambridge Seven Associates. I used to screen print for them when I had a screen printing company. Thanks for the memories and wonderful image
ReplyDeleteOhhhh, Andrea ... yet more reasons why we'd work so well together ! We'd probably never leave your studio ! When I was still in Alaska, I got really interested in Merimekko fabs and found a place on-line in New York (I think!) where I'd order Merimekko fabrics. I have to admit I love these fabs so much that I kind of horde them ! Its that graphic design that just grabs me every time :-D
ReplyDeleteI love your narrative; love the starkness and strength of the black and white design; am crazy about your silk screening; and was touched deeply that your Mom made drapes for you, you kept them all these years, and they've now been incorporated into your fantastic quilt. Bravo ! !
Thanks Kathy, yes I think if we lived a few states closer to each other, we probably would have some great studio time together! My newest obsession is printing with my Gelli plate, and am now cutting my own stencils ( some based on my own hand carved eraser stamp designs ) to use with the Gelli prints.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, you always amaze me with your creativity! What a clever and beautiful portrayal of your love of Marimekko fabric. And I love the fact that you used your "memory" fabric on the back. Wonderful!
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