I hope you've all enjoyed this Pink challenge as much as I have. I'm excited that we're launching a whole new set of "Colorplay" challenges -- I wonder if it was easier or harder that the theme this time was stated in one simple word? I know the color pink proved difficult (and even unpleasant) for a few of you, and I appreciate your moving forward and working with the theme anyway. That's why they call these "challenges," right?! (Hmm, just gets me thinking -- I wonder if there's a way to "illustrate" a color without using that color?)
Anyway. My personal challenge to myself is to try to stay away from literal or representational
responses in these challenges -- that's the first place my mind goes and it's hard for me to go anywhere abstract. I'm thinking that these color challenges will be a good exercise for me and I plan to force myself to do abstract responses. We'll see how that goes.
With that in mind, I set out to create something that illustrated the feelings I think pink evokes for me. I thought about softness -- no straight lines, no angles, just curves and flow. I wanted to try to convey a sense of happy whimsy, something that made me smile without thinking about why. I sketched lots of lines, and ended up with this. I never specifically thought about "ribbons" and once I got this together, it reminded me of strands of girls' hair. So there is a sense of femininity about this, which seems fitting.
My original plan was to applique the two curls (in commercial fabrics) and have the others just indicated by stitching lines. I actually did a bit of trapunto by putting double layers of batting behind the strands but not the backgrounds -- it's not really evidence in the photo but adds some slight dimension in person. However (maybe because of the mottled background?) the curls that were only defined by stitching just didn't stand out very well. Out came my trusty Neocolor crayons, and I gave them more definition.
I auditioned lots of quilting lines, and ultimately went for the overall curly look.
I am exercising great restraint, writing this up before looking at the pieces that have already been posted. I can't wait to see what you all have done!
9 comments:
I love the quilting on this. I am in awe! This is very effective for a monochromatic piece. You have created nice movement with the tendrils.
I am getting similar feelings when I look at your piece Diane. A smile, sense of whimsy, and softness. I wasn't aware of only two curls being made from appliqued fabric until you mentioned it.
I forgot to mention that I look forward to seeing your nonliteral interpretaions - I feel as if I want to go there, too, but I will take each challenge as it comes and see how it speaks to me.
too am looking forward to your color abstractions. Pink is definitely a wispy, sensual color and you have captured that well with your tendrils and curly quilting.
Awww--you, of course, had no problem committing to pink and more pink! The color choices are pure and rich--no wimpy pinks here! You have such a good eye for rhythm and movement. Such lovely and natural curves are deceptively difficult to achieve. You have done it beautifully. Reminds me of very beautiful, expressive calligraphy.
Love your curly pinks, Diane! And St Rose & the Pinking Shears is too clever as well....they made me smile.
from me, browsing on my new laptop...Laura Jeanne (you know who)
This fascinates me, Diane! It seems so simple (well, it IS a simple design) but I can look at it for ages because of the gentle sense of movement that you have created. There is such fluidity that the curls really do appear to move!
Nice curves indeed! Love the quilting. Looking forward to seeing your next abstract piece.
I am amazed that you could pull off a quilt that is entirely pink and yet be so interesting to look at. This really terrific and that's high praise from someone who is on the negative pink side!
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