Well, I didn't come up with a concrete idea until very recently. Then I had family stuff for a week, so I devoted yesterday and today to getting this done. A community means that the members have something in common — where they live, a religion, shared genetics, hobbies, etc. So, I felt that birds hanging together was a great metaphor for community. then I couldn't decide whether I wanted city birds or country birds. You can see where I went - it is much easier to abstract the city architecture.
In doing my research, I found several Flickr groups devoted to birds on a wire - quite amazing. I used some of my geometric commercial fabric for the buildings. I had fun doing that, but now my studio is a mess.
Here is a detail:
I will spend some time looking at every one's work more closely tomorrow. They all look fantastic, and there are more to come!!
What a wonderful choice of metaphor! And I am fascinated at how, quite independently and for different reasons, you and Kristin have incorporated a black X into your composition.
ReplyDeleteThis is really terrific, Gerrie. I love the imagery, and especially the black birds against those colorful buildings. Funny -- I came very close to doing birds on wires!!
ReplyDeletePerfect. I'm glad you chose the city background -- it adds a second read of community as well.
ReplyDeleteI love it. Your background is stunning. And the birds are perfect, they look so real.
ReplyDeleteI, too, love the background. How come I never see great fabrics like that in the store? But I really like your entire idea.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love this, Gerrie! I too, thought of birds and nearly put together something with birds on the bare branches of a tree.
ReplyDeleteThe city background is so effective in this piece and the birds are wonderful
ReplyDeleteI like the contrast between the bids and the architecture behind.
ReplyDeleteAnd the X shape too.
I love the city background with the birds. The colors and hard surfaces are a perfect contrast to the lightness of birds. How funny to watch them watching us.
ReplyDeleteI find it funny that I want to live in the city in the summer when the sun is shining and hide out in the country during the winter. Something about the sun makes me want to be around people. Thankfully the sun is shining this morning and I pray spring is finally on its way.
It's fantastic, Gerrie. Great job. I have seen lots of birds-on-a-wire images lately, but YOURS is the only one with a vibrant, colorful background. Very effective. Isn't it interesting that you and Kristin have that same black X in nearly the same angle on both of your quilts?!
ReplyDeleteGerrie, I adore your quilt. You have the kind of artistic maturity whose thoughtfulness and skill produces work that looks simple but lingers in the viewers mind, whispering "Have you thought about...?
ReplyDeleteThe little birds are perfect and the city background is singing with them.