This challenge has been a delightful thread to follow. In my search for the perfect quotation to illustrate, I found some writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson that seemed to be a book about quotations, containing quotations about quotations. And so my quilt was formed.
In actuality, the piece entitled "Quotation and Originality" is just one part of a larger work by Emerson entitled "Letters and Social Aims," published in 1875, containing essays originally published in the 1840s.
My quilt displays only three quotations attributed to Emerson, but several more quotations about quotations from Emerson, which are food for thought, are as follows:
"All minds quote."
"We quote not only books and proverbs, but arts, sciences, religions, customs, and laws; nay, we quote temples and houses, tables and chairs by imitation."
"A brave man quotes bravely, and will not draw on his invention when his memory serves him with a word as good. What he quotes, he fills with his own voice and humor, and the whole cyclopedia of his table-talk is presently believed to be his own."
"Quotation confesses inferiority."
"The child quotes his father, and the man quotes his friend. . . . Whatever we think and say is wonderfully better for our spirits and trust, in another mouth."
"The divine never quotes, but is, and creates."
Another quotation that is fun for the imagination was written by Gelett Burgess (1866-1951), author of "The Purple Cow."
"Ah, yes! I wrote the 'Purple Cow'--
I's sorry, now, I wrote it!
But I can tell you anyhow,
I'll kill you if you quote it!"
In creating my quilt, an image of a book, closed and opened, was enlarged to fit the space designated for each. The pieces of the books were traced on heavy weight paper stock, cut out and wrapped with fabric to which a fusible had been applied. The puzzle pieces of the books were then put together and using permanent fabric glue, attached to the quilted and bound background. A bit of whimsy was added with the stick figures quoting Emerson.
You've done it again, Rita! An exquisitely constructed quilt that is also clever and humorous! You call the little figures "stick figures." I think they look like some sort of little bugs; perhaps they lay eggs that turn into book worms! As for your quotation--you're quoting here one of America's great philosophers and writers of the 19th century. I used to teach a few of his works to my junior English students. So, for me, this quilt has special meaning! Yes, it even makes me a little nostalgic!
ReplyDeleteI love the tiny figures! This is a great quilt!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a fun and clever quilt Rita. I, too, love the little critters. I think they must be quotation marks! Nicely done, as always!
ReplyDeleteRita a quilt that collects quotations on quotes is genius. I love your representation and the whimsy you added.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness ! I never would have thought about a book of quotes that quotes other quotes ! As always, your work is outstanding; you used so many different techniques, and the piping is perfect for enhancing the binding.
ReplyDeleteAnother special Rita quilt!! Yours are always so charmingly humourous, appropriate and beautifully done!!
ReplyDeleteRita, such a clever way to illustrate quotes... who knew? I like everything about this quilt and the quilting really showcases the art.
ReplyDeleteI love this quilt. You used unconventional techniques and created a wonderful composition. To me the quotes and especially the words about quotes illustrate how nothing is truly new and original. We just quote others many times unknowingly.
ReplyDeleteI just love how you created your book. The figures are so much fun.
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