Monday, January 15, 2018

Jane's Rock Quilt


Detail
Jane’s Rock Quilt
Jerry Is My Rock

As I worked my way through a diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma, many people asked me, “Is Jerry taking good care of you?” My answer was always, “Oh yes, he is a rock!” What I meant was that he was always dependable and always available and always thinking of what I might need. He never wavered in his care.

I like rocks. I like the way they look. I like their unique appearance. I like the many colors and textures they show me. However, I have always been challenged in depicting rocks in fiber art. I am learning and as in all art challenges, I am trying to depict what I see not what I expect to see. That is not as easy as it sounds.

This time I started with a piece of Stonehenge fabric. I liked the name and the neutral rocky feel of the cloth. Then I used a custom thermofax screen all over the fabric with brown fabric paint. The screen was made by Jane Dunnewold’s husband using a photograph I had made of rocks.

The next step was to add various fibers and hand dyed cheesecloth. Then I quilted strata in by machine. At this point I just let it sit on the design wall for a while. It did not photograph well. Not enough contrast even though I did like the detail shot.

I decided to add a little glitz to it. I started with gold paint. That helped. But I added some beads to look like the pebbles that collect in fissures in the rock.

I hope you enjoy my interpretation of Rock. Jerry is a lot more handsome but he is my rock.

6 comments:

  1. I love this and your interpretation of Rock is perfect!

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  2. Jane, your quilt portrays our theme well just beautifully. But what I like the most about your quilt and its narrative is your tribute to your "rock," your wonderful husband!

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  3. Hi Jane. One finds out who the real rock is when you go through Chemo. Hooray for a great husband! When I first looked at your quilt, it reminded me of a climbing wall. You could say that you climbed that wall to the top and made it! I love your quilting in this piece and your use of cheesecloth and gold paint. Beautiful!

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  4. Wow ! Jane, this is really beautiful ! I loved your explanation of the techniques and products you used (and oh..... those Thermofax Screens ! ! ! I think I'd give my "eye teeth" to have a Thermofax machine for making the screens.... )
    I also appreciated you sharing your story with us... how wonderful that Jerry is your Rock !

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    1. Kathy, I don't have a thermofax machine. I buy mine from Jane Dunnewold. She sells hers or will make one for you from your design. I do love to use them. I also love the way her husband frames them. CHeck out her website or perhaps Andrea will make you some. SHe has a machine. My first experience with them was in Nantucket when Andrea brought her machine.

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  5. I see your quilt as a close up of a rock wall that has been there a long time. It is soothing and that's what you received from your husband during chemo. I'm so happy you have his love and support!

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