CAROLYN'S STRONG: THE POWER OF FREEDOM
My original
design idea for “strong” was to construct a quilt based on strong women. However, while I was contemplating design
elements, Nelson Mandela died. I deeply admired Mandela and his power of strength
through difficult times, so I decided that my quilt must be about him. Years
ago I purchased two pieces of African fabric from a South African man at a
booth at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. I had no idea at the time what I would do
with it. I was simply drawn to the irregular
hand-dyed cloth with gold embossing. I
immediately pulled it out of my stash to use for this project. I looked at picture after picture of Mandela
on the Internet. I loved one of him
holding a dove about to take flight.
But, not knowing who had made the photograph and thus how to seek
permission to use it, I decided instead to make a hand drawing of Mandela based
on a statue in Johannesburg. He is in
his classic pose with a clenched fist raised in the air, the same image that
flashed across television stations immediately following his death. After seeing the photo of Mandela with the
dove, I knew that I also had to incorporate a dove. I looked at old Christmas cards from the
1960’s for inspiration and drew the dove in flight that you see here. Mandela and the dove are raw-edge appliqued
to the background. I made the dove with
4 layers – using an off white fabric with 3 layers of shiny tulle appliqued on
top. Mandela is made from the African fabric with a banner across his
chest. Each of these elements is
free-motion outline quilted. I used a
decorative stitch above his head going from the dove upward to simulate Mandela
rising to the heavens. Then I used white
pencils around the dove and Mandela to produce a “glow” effect. I added an applique with Mandela’s name and
his birth and death dates. The back of the quilt is the full pattern of the
African fabric with a panel applique containing words of strength that describe
this remarkable man. An African bird
from the fabric is appliqued in the right-hand corner. The same African fabric was used for the
border. A simple, but I hope powerful,
symbol of strength.
that is awesome!
ReplyDeleteAmazing, I almost did the same theme, as Bob and I landed in Africa the day he died. It was quite an amazing time to be there, and witness the love first hand. You captured his message and spirit so brilliantly. The colors, the simplicity of his message with the strength of your piece are fantastic. I hope his peace lasts as many there were worried about things changing the wrong way with their leader gone. Fabulous quilt on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteOh, Carolyn! Now THIS is my favorite of all your quilts! I, too, looked on Mandela as one of my heroes, and I was so moved and touched by the outpouring of love and admiration when this great man died. From your fabric choices, to the over-all design, to the quilting, and to the fantastic back--everything is as close to perfection as it is possible in this world to be. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteOnce again you have created another beautiful two-sided work of art. So wonderful that you could use your very special fabric for this tribute to one of the strongest man known in modern times.The back is as impressive as the front. Well done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect subject. Mandela was such a leader. I love your bird and the back. I need to remember to use the back.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you were FREE to change direction when history presented the topic Mandela.Such amazing strength and so good you documented it further. I love African fabrics and phone around regularly to try to find them.
ReplyDeleteOh Carolyn, this absolutely took my breath away! I knew it was Mandela even before I had scrolled enough to see the whole quilt and his name. I am so drawn to simple graphic solutions truly believing that they can be the most powerful, and your quilt exemplifies my theory perfectly. This is not to say that the amount of thought and work that went into this quilt was simple, quite the contrary, as every single little detail was no accident.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn .. What an awesome piece ! I really loved how you explained the various techniques you used, and described how you were personally drawn to make this beautiful Mandela tribute. Thanks so much for sharing your personal insights with all of us.
ReplyDeleteAt last I am able to comment! I love the symbolism of the dove especially. Using the African fabrics was inspired!
ReplyDelete