I carry images in my head that I remember over and over, like the chairs in our last challenge. This photo was taken on the Island of Iona in 2003, when Mr C and I went on a hiking trip in the Scottish Highlands. Iona is a small island in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland that has an important place in the history of Christianity in Scotland and is renowned for its tranquility and natural beauty. Ì Chaluim Cille is the Gaelic name for Iona. Fuinneog is window in Gaelic.
This photo of the ruins with the beautiful stones and the opening, looking out on the sea has stayed with me and begged to become a piece of fiber art.
Because of my hectic life this past month, I had to simplify my process. The stone structure was printed on lutradur that was coated with Golden Digital Ground. I created the surrounding landscape from my hand-dyed fabrics and machine quilting. I love the shape of this structure so much - the wonky, off kilter shape and that gorgeous diagonal line.
Yowza. I love it! You've done an amazing job of enhancing the image transfer with stitching. The varigated thread is perfect and the composition is spot on. It makes me want to get to Scotland right away. (Or at least go hiking at the local nature preserve.)
ReplyDeleteGerrie, you really used this theme effectively here. I like the little tufts of grass growing out of the structure. What the heck is Golden Digital Ground?
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at how people interpret their photographs. This is so wonderful. No wonder the image stuck in your mind.
ReplyDeleteLove it! Not sure the colour of the sky is very scottish...but I like it this way. The shape of the ruins looks powerful, fighting against the winds. And of course your stitching is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteThe colors in those stones are incredible--I had to click for a closer look and was rewarded with that beautiful mix of rose and blue. It is an arresting image. Ruins of earlier people fascinate and humble me. They harbor secrets and mysteries. The wavy diagonal stitching in the sky is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGerrie, what a great image! I'm really enjoying seeing how the things you've seen in your travels are making their way into your art -- you're using memories and emotion so effectively. And I like the grass growing among the stones too!
ReplyDeleteI love looking at the ways you've been incorporating photographs into your work. I think with each piece you become more adept at it. This is a lovely illustration of a striking place.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting structure. I think your interpretation of it is excellent. I so love how I learn about new things in this group. I really hope we someday have the chance to meet in person so I can hear how the name of this quilt is pronounced.
ReplyDeleteWhat a divine window and your use of different media adds to its effect. Just goes to show that we dont have to labour for hours to produce a beauty.
ReplyDeleteKaren: Digital Ground is a new product by Golden that you can paint on surfaces that would not normally work in a printer or to get a better image on some materials. One is matte and one is clear. You can even print on acetate and plastic.
ReplyDeleteTerri: I do not know how to pronounce the name of my quilt, but I bet it is beautiful, spoken by a native.
Aah, this is lovely! And unexpected - I like that. That little peek through the window to the view beyond is wonderful!
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