Thursday, July 12, 2012

Modern Day Medusa

Modern Day Medusa
20" x 12"
Medusa is from Greek mythology. It seems there are different versions of Medusa's story throughout history. At one point she is a monstrous and ugly being and during another time she is depicted as beautiful.  But most stories seem to agree that if anyone dared to gaze directly at Medusa, they would turn into stone. And for this reason, her image is often seen as a gate or door decoration as a symbol of being guarded by her.


It is said she was raped by Poseidon and became pregnant. When Athena found out about the rape and pregnancy, she turned Medusa's beautiful hair into snake-like serpents. Medusa was beheaded by Perseus while pregnant and as she died, Pegasus (the winged horse) was born from her.


My quilt is machine-pieced neutral fabrics that are then thread sketched and painted with Caran d' Ache Neocolor II Crayons.

11 comments:

Deborah Boschert said...

Terri, I just love how you've created such a unique technique and continued to use it so beautifully. I love the simple pieced background with the excellent drawing with the black thread and the additional color with neocolors. Really great! All those layers of design blend so well together. I think it's so fun that at first she appears to be just a modern gal... and the snake heads are a surprising detail.

Diane Perin said...

What is striking to me about this, Terri, is that it has your usual cheery color palette and beautiful face -- but there is something about the way you've done her face that invites more studying -- and then you notice the snake hair, which of course shifts the first impression of a happy portrait. It's a portrait to ponder!

Unknown said...

Yes, I agree with Diane. on my very first glance I thought you had not really done the theme and then I saw the snake hair and I got that aha! moment. i mean that as a compliment. i like art that I suddenly 'get'. I alalso fascinated with the way the strip piecing shows through the face and adds texture.

Gerrie said...

I saw your title and immediately looked at the hair. She has a very quirky expression on her face - like - what has happened to me? I also like the transparency of the paint over the pieced background.

Barbara Strobel Lardon said...

I was so curious to see your piece and how you would stay true to your style and technique using this theme. You did it with mastery and there is something about her eyes that just keep you mystified.

Terry Grant said...

I was hoping someone would take on Medusa! The snake hair is wonderfully subtle. You look and at first don't see snakes, but then, Wait a minute! And her expression is daring you to look--and perhaps be turned to stone??

Karen Rips said...

Very cool Terri, i love the snake hair and earrings!

Françoise said...

Wonderful! Her eyes are amazing, and she's so pretty, even with snakes in her hair.

Brenda said...

How great to have one of your distinctive faces in the 2012 series. This is a thoroughly modern take on Medusa.

On a technical note, you demonstrate such masterly control of the fabric painting technique. Do you apply medium first and blend in the crayon or vice versa? Or something different!

Terri Stegmiller said...

thank you everyone! Brenda - I actually color with the crayon first, directly onto the fabric....then brush the medium on over that.

Pam Larsen said...

Wow, I love your piece the depth you got on the background is amazing. I love the hair. I feel like that most days. Just wonderful!