Living on the edge of the Great Barrier Reef has an impact. We are very aware of what's out there in the sea, so near by. And one of my family's favourite places to go in Townsville is Reef HQ, a very large marine aquarium. It's like visiting a mini reef. Every time we go there I talk to a particular fish. I know that sounds strange but this guy is brimming with personality and he is SO friendly. He comes rushing up to the glass and looks straight at me "Oh! hello!! It's you again!"
The last time we were there a volunteer told me that these fish (Maori Wrasse) are in trouble. They are so very friendly and curious that they are just too easy to catch.
My 'blue and white with a touch of black' kind of turned into a 'blue and a touch of white and black'! There is a great deal of artistic license taken with this dude's markings. I painted him on white cloth using dye-na-flow, Tsukineko inks and Jacquard paint (lumiere). He is needleturn appliqued onto the background fabric which is also painted to tone down the contrast of the paisleys. The only white ended up being the stitching on his eye and the outlining of his markings. That wasn't my intention, but you know what happens when a paintbrush takes control of your hand!
I'm very happy with this quilt. It turns out that that crazy fish means rather a lot to me and I'm glad to have this little tribute to him.
I saw this on Flickr last night!! Oops! I want to meet your blue fish! This is so different from your usual twelve pieces. The monochromatic color scheme is working really well because you have that lighter blue of the fishy which almost fades to white so I think you have interpreted this very well. Great painting job.
ReplyDeleteGREAT JOB!
ReplyDeleteThe painting indeed added a individual personality!!!
Hello to you too! You've done such a great job painting this guy -- he's got great personality. I really love the way you painted some of his patterning and then let the quilting take care of the rest. The paisley background is a fun surprise too. Sometimes when people do very realistic paintings on art quilts I wonder why they didn't just do a traditional painting on canvas. There's no question here.
ReplyDeleteThis is FABulous, Kirsten! I love that you've honored this fellow this way, and it is so pleasing to look at. The pattern on pattern, the colors -- all extremely successful!
ReplyDeleteYou are so very talented. I love your parrotfish!
ReplyDeleteSewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
So much personality in this guy and the way you painted it gives such a deep watery feel to the piece. Wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThere are some blue groper that swim around the rocks at Copacabana. They are not as friendly as your guy but I always get a thrill when I see them. The markings on the fish are very moku-like - how appropriate for a Maori wrasse.
ReplyDeleteI love this theme for the 12 by 12! This fish is so friendly looking, I just want to meet him. Great interpretation!
ReplyDeleteThis is way cool Kirsten, the stitching and the painting, and that eye! Really fantastic.
ReplyDeleteThis is fabulous Kirsten and when I first saw the quilt, I so did not think it would be from you. Love the story behind it and find it sad that they are in trouble.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilt Kirsty! This fish looks like a nice guy.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised to see the size of these fishes when I googled them. How large is your friend?
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ReplyDeleteI love his friendly personality and big lips. I can see why you are attracted to him each time you visit the aquarium. The background fabric reminds me of the reef he is swimming around. I think I need to come visit!
ReplyDeleteFabulous! Really, this is just stunning. The composition is great... I feel like he is just swimming right past me. Your painting is beautiful and I love how the stitching compliments the whole design.
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