I looked at several pictures on line to get an idea of the images the doctors see, and this finished piece is a combination of what I saw, and what I imagined. As you can see, I'm not the best at hand stitching the rounded edges, I ripped them out several times but for some reason I couldn't make them look the way I wanted them to. I will say I'm really good at stitching arrhythmias.
The background orange started out as ProChem tangerine, but it was really screaming at me, so I overdyed it with dusty purple, which toned it down a bit. The machine stitching was all done on my Sweet Sixteen which moved along really quickly so I was able to spend a lot more time ripping out and restitching the hand work. I was going to make a series with this, and I still may, but I've only completed one other, which is on my blog /http://www.fiberartmusings.blogspot.com/.
I have no idea what an actual cardiac map looks like, so I wouldn't know what your rounded edges should look like. What I love is the big red X leaping off the grid like something is definitely happening. The EKG line lets me know that is about hearts, so my imagination fills in the rest of the story. I like it, and I'm loving that you've been able to tie your pieces together thematically.
ReplyDeleteI love how you are keeping with the theme of medical imagery interpreted as art. I am having a problem seeing a problem with your stitching, by the way!! I see some purple showing up in the background fabric and it gives it some nice dimension
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gerrie in how you were able to continue your body exploration with this theme. I didn't know anything about cardiac mapping.
ReplyDeleteX marks the spot! Even if the subject matteris unfamiliar, the imagery definitely fits the theme.
ReplyDeleteYour stitching nd shading adds wonderful texture and depth to this piece.
Your quilt is so much nicer than the actual subject matter (I'm rather squeamish and tend to get light headed at the thought of anything related to blood).
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful, Karen. I think you have found such a riveting and personal focus for your work. It could be almost anything, but takes on such depth when the viewer knows what it is. I see beauty and purpose and deep care going into your current work. The grace of that X just knocks me out. Maybe because I can't even fathom where this kind of visual intelligence comes from, your work always wows me.
ReplyDeleteTerry, I wish I had your eloquence - yes, the X is graceful! Who would have thought an x could be elegant? but it certainly is. Karen, I also very much like the shadowing of lavender behind the X and the wonderful choice of turquoise thread for the quilting.
ReplyDeleteYes, the background -- orangey lavender with such textural repetitive stitching -- is stunning! But, really it just sets the stage for the other wonderful elements in the quilt. I love how you take a very specific image and idea and work it into a beautiful composition. Clearly, you focus on exactly what the quilt needs and use your theme to serve that purpose. Great work.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's beautiful and elegant. Like Nikki, I prefer not to think of the real subject because it makes me feel a bit sick. But really, I love this quilt Karen.
ReplyDeleteI am so drawn to this quilt, Karen -- I think the way you have merged the theme with your body series is both clever and very effective. The lines in this work so well together -- and like everyone I love the grace of that X.
ReplyDeleteI always learn so much looking at your quilts Karen and this one was no exception. In terms of working in a series it is really interesting to look at this one together with the one on your blog as a subseries of other medical things you have done. It must feel like a fabulously endless mine of possibilties! For me the sucess of the X is that the curve of it counter acts the curves in the heart, the latter pushes the eye to the left perimeter and the X balances that and keeps the eye centre and to attention. Despite everyones expectation of me and with eyes being the exception ( please, please do not do an eye quilt!) am not at all squeamish with operating theatre images and so I can also say that I may slightly prefer the one on your blog for its rich colours. Happily I need not choose and can look at and learn from both!
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