Whenever I think of spices I either think of the great Pakistani run cash and carry near where I work or the spice stalls on the Marrakesh souk. Just outside the souk is the Cafe Argana where I sat on the terrace and ate tagine containing spices. Sadly on 28th April a bomb killed seventeen people of many nationalities and destroyed the cafe. This is my memorial to them with 17 stripes ( dyed with turmeric) and 17 straight and 17 cross stitches.
Is it just me or are the rest of you having trouble photographing these colours? The hand monoprinted fabric with gold accents refuses to look shimmery whatever I do with the camera.
how touching! i'm deeply moved by your piece helen. 1) i know the place, i have been at the cafe argana myself and 2) three of the killed people are from the area i live in (italian part of switzerland). two young couples, friends, were on holiday in marrakesh and just one girl survived.
ReplyDeleteGorgeous colors!! Wonderful stitching. Very touching story. And yes, I had a problem photographing mine!!
ReplyDeleteJust lovely. I just love the restraint in this, Helen. And the composition is very strong. Your quilting lines really add a lot -- and of course those 3 died bits (with the circly quilting) have a sense of faint blood spots that creates (in my mind) a sense of dis-ease... which is quite appropriate for your reference to the Marrakesh bombing. I've said this the last few times, but now I think THIS is my favorite of yours so far.
ReplyDeleteUm, I meant DYED bits. Freudian, eh?
ReplyDeleteGosh... you're channeling Françoise a bit I think. We're all inspiring each other!
ReplyDeleteI love those 17 turmeric stripes. It's all really excellent -- especially the combination of hand and machine stitching and the beautiful palette. I can totally see why YOU picked it.
It's a lovely composition, and the memorial aspect is a wonderful second read. I like your balance of smooth and texture, and I can imagine that the monoprinted fabric looks fantastic in real life! Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWonderful memorial, color and stitch!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother beautiful, meaningful piece Helen. I love to read your stories behind these quilts.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, bright quilt and a meaning that once again breaks my heart.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a lovely piece--both as a memorial and just as a visual experience. Your colors are mouth-watering and life-giving, while the message is heart-breaking.
ReplyDeleteYou've really nailed value and balance in this composition. And the combination of hand and machine stitching adds wonderful texture. I look forward to seeing this in November.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Helen, many of your quilts have moved me, but this is powerful. And very beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute! This is a great abstract design Helen and I love the simple straight line quilting in the background areas.
ReplyDeleteLovely quilt Helen. Of course I am very moved by its meaning.
ReplyDelete(And, I also had trouble photographing my quilt.)