Thursday, October 15, 2009

Creative Use of Materials

When I learned that my assignment was awarding "The Most Creative Use of Materials" award, I had to think for—oh—about a half a second! Helen, of course. No contest.

Helen sewed and quilted real maps. Helen used real coins. Helen used rolled paper documents. But I think Helen really blew us away when she revealed her "Illumination" piece and it was really illuminated. With real light—that moved—and changed.

Here is what it looks like in daylight. That's a party wand gizmo attached to the front of the piece.




Now, turn out the lights, turn on the wand, and this is what you see.

Pure magic!

Go to her original post here to see more, including a short video of this piece in action, and read what it all means. It is not all sweetness and light.

Helen never fails to surprise, delight, inform and make us think. I am so happy that the 12 x 12 project has brought her into my life!

7 comments:

Deborah Boschert said...

I agree! Helen's use of materials is so fun -- and the way she incorporates them into her story and message is inspiring.

Gerrie said...

I always get excited when it is time for our reveals because I can't wait to see Helen's latest creation. I hope I get to see them in person some day.

Kristin L said...

Helen gets my vote for most creative use of materials too. It's always fun to see what she pulls out of her box of goodies.

Diane Perin said...

I totally agree -- Helen's originality and cleverness don't just show themselves in the subjects she chooses for her pieces... her use of materials is fun and definitely creative! I can't wait to see her pieces in person one of these days.

Unknown said...

I won an award!!! We don't have year books here but I always thought that if I was American I would win the yearbook nomination for student most likely not to win a nomination. Diane, I am bring in my quilts over to the US so you wil see them. Gerrie, come down to Dianes! And everyone- my next quilt? Well not telling yet but I ordered special supplies...!

Anonymous said...

What supplies could Helen POSSIBLY have ordered for her pink quilt?? Bubblegum? Plastic elf ears?? False fingernails???
:D

Dotti said...

This definitely speaks to the creative imagination of the artist!