Sunday, February 12, 2012

Jubilee

Updated: I think this is finished. No doubt I could keep going...and going...and going, but after three full days of embroidery through too, too many layers of fabric and fusible webbing, I am declaring it done. I love it and I am so happy. It even has a name now - Jubilee. I decided that for this year's challenges I would like to make works to hang on our walls at home. I've never hung my quilts up at home and we have very limited wall space now that we live in a townhouse but this 12 x 20 format is perfect. Which reminds me - I LOVE working in this new size!
You can probably see that there is a whole heap more embroidery on this and there are also sequins (only a few show in the photo - they are easier to see in the detail shots on my blog) in the bubbly section. This quilt seems determined to photograph badly; although I am wondering if my camera is entering it's geriatric years. I can't get a crisp image *grumble grumble*



I struggled so much with this theme. Every idea I had was old and sad and done to death (except for the one glimmer of an idea that referenced Kafka's Metamorpohosis Terry!). Then one morning I woke up with a clear(ish) image in my head and I knew that my quilt would be an abstract representation of the process of metamorphosis of any kind.

As you can see, it's undergone it's own metamorphosis and is no longer abstract...



Start at the bottom.

Building blocks,stem cells,foundation,a sound base of ideas, information,potential.
There begins a bubbling, fizzing, effervescence, a stirring,movement.
Reaching out, evolving, aspiring, cell growth, development.
Fruition, birth, display, expression, achievement, celebration.

ps: Brenda mentioned in an earlier post that there was a Twelve about to be tattooed. That metamorphosis has also occurred!

16 comments:

Kristin L said...

Who knew that basic biology could be so pretty? (Well, probably a lot of biologists.) I am so glad that you are not rushing this one -- it will look so wonderful with sequins and more luscious embroidery. I love how you've used the flowers from commercial fabrics, but CHANGED them to be uniquely your own.

Norma Schlager said...

I love this and the hand work is wonderful. I can see why you're not caving in and saying it's finished. The hand embroidery and beads really make it special.

Terri Stegmiller said...

Well if you didn't tell me it wasn't finished, I would never have known.....it's simply gorgeous. Love how it changes from little color up to lots and lots of lovely colors. I look forward to the sequins.

Lisa Flowers Ross said...

I think this is wonderful! The stitching makes it extra special.

I have posted my play-along piece on my blog, http://lisasartmusings.blogspot.com.

Deborah Boschert said...

Gorgeous! I love the bubbly dark section and the riotous floral section -- and the one bird peeking in. Just wonderful! Both whimsical and provocative. I can't wait to see more details. Close ups, please!

Diane Perin said...

Ooh, Kirsty! This has so much richness and fun and detail in it! I love how it moves from dark to light to color ... and Deborah is right, whimsical and provocative are right!

Karen said...

I love it too, and it looks done to me. The gradual change from bottom to top is so beautiful. Congratulations on the tattoo, I don't know much about them but it looks really beautiful.

Vicki Miller said...

You guys are simply amazing! They are all beautiful and I need to go back over them all and study how you all use your theme. no simple interpretations, here!
I do have a favourite..... but I'm not telling, anyway tomorrow's favourite might be different.

Kathryn said...

Luscious! I love the different graduations from building blocks through to the riot of colours.

Brenda said...

Gray and aqua.n Swoon!

Françoise said...

It's a beautiful and happy metamorphosis. I look forward to seeing it finished.

Gerrie said...

Oh, this is so yummy. I love the transition to the bright colorful flowers. And it stands on its own, now, but beads and stitching will only make it outstanding.

Renate said...

Your composition is exquisite and presents the idea that you are trying to portray very well. Your handwork has added depth and what you will most likely add until done, will only add to the metamorphosis.

Terry Grant said...

Oh, Kirsty, this is so pretty! It has such a weightless, effervescent quality and your color sense is so clean and lovely here. I love how everything rises, weightlessly,from the mysterious depths below.

Nikki said...

Kirsty, I absolutely love it! So light and refreshing. I would love to have this hanging in my house to make me happy every day. I can't wait to see the progress as you keep adding little details.

Michele Lasker said...

I just love this quilt. I am in awe of intensities of color and I love how you designed the flow of color.

Thanks for sharing.

Michele in Tulsa, OK