Saturday, December 31, 2005


The Last Quilt of 2005


Cruciform Series: Green
59x65" hand dyed cottons, machine quilted.
I am not putting the date on until I get the rod pocket sewn on, sometime in 2006, which will make this actually finished then. The dates of a quilt are important when contest rules say it must have been made within a certain time frame.
The quilting really took longer than I expected, what with interruptions like Christmas and birthday partying and just stuff. And it is larger than I regularly work so there was lots of room for fiddly quilting.

I try to build in some pattern on larger spaces like this. Something that looks a tiny bit more planned than my usual bent.

This is a result of marking the space with my handy sliver of soap. Contained space quilting.

Here I carried the design into the adjacent block and changed thread color so it wouldn't jump out on either side. I had to actually look for this spot when I photographed it. Rather subtle.

A person could go blind when quilting black on black so I pulled a lamp fitted with a bright halogen bulb, right up to the machine. I used that heavier Sulky 12 cotton thread so I could find my way on the dark fabric.
Today I will take slides for entering Visions with these last two, Red and this Green. Sigh.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I had the tremendous urge to start making new small works for sale for the new gigs this coming year, but a late night call from Tommy in Florida, set my mind straight.
Here's the deal. I am so happy making (abstract) quilts like these big guys but I fear they are not going to be received as well as the more 'accessible' quilts I have made. These are larger than most walls can bear, and much more expensive than my smaller works and therefore are destined to take up more closet space. How's that for a defeatist attitude?
What I should be thinking is that I have finally FOUND MY VOICE and shouldn't negate that important event, or spoil the momentum by switching over to making a more commercial type of quilt. Plus Tommy advises that I may be on my way to really drop dead gorgeous work and to stop now in favor of the easy stuff, will thwart the struggle to get somewhere artistically.
Of course I had that small voice in my head even before she said it on the phone last night. I knew I was 'going back' to stuff that I know will be liked. But what about the rest of the people who could and would appreciate the artier stuff, including MYSELF? Shouldn't they have a chance to see what could come from this start?
Don't answer that. Here's the thing. As you know I have only artist friends and I see them fully aware what their style of work is and they stay right in that vein, never cheapening themselves for the sale. Gosh. I said that right out loud. That is it. Taking the high road and making the good work, no matter whether it will ever sell or be liked by the average quilter; that must be my goal.
Can I really allow myself to do this? I hope so. That is why I am putting this down on the blog. Allowing myself to work as an artist, not a commercial one perhaps, but a sane and satisfied one, will be my goal for the new year.
Happy New Year Everyone!

31 comments:

  1. Stunning piece and beautiful quilting!
    Give it a chance, big pieces are great in office spaces, banks, medical buildings etc. If you must justify this $ wise, think of these commercial applications. Once that's done, get back to following what feels right and true to your artist. Jen

    P.S. Happy birthday (a little late). Thanks for all your generous advice this year.

    ReplyDelete
  2. A big hug as a belated birthday greeting. Had some computer problems yesterday...still do...but wish I had been at the party.
    Now to the important part...Tommy is a very wise woman..Listen to her immediately. You are never not going to sell work...you can do nothing but grow from this transition...and if we don't give ourselves the permission to make our own meaning, certainly no one else is going to allow us to. They will demand what fills their concept of who are you...grow with this new direction without thinking of anyone but you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is glorious... a sane and satisfied artist is a very good thing. Go forth and create!!

    Thanks for all the tips and explanations you have given freely this year. You are an inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ahem: it's only 11:43 am EST. Are you sure that's the last quilt of 2005? ;-)

    Although it might seem that there are two roads to choose from right now, I'm betting there's really only one and it's the one you're on. It will be very exciting to see what you create in 2006.

    Happy New Year!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Anonymous1:04 PM

    Tommy got it right and I am so happy that you are there!! I am in love with this quilt - the quilting is incredible - hope it gets into mucho shows and that someone has the space for it and pays you the big bucks that it is worth. When I get my new house maybe I will have the wall space - I, the collecter of cruciforms, need this in my collection - we shall see.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I will only say..do what you love. By pleasing yourself you actually please everyone. Your quilting is awesome. I looked at it and saw mayan in it...

    Rosy

    ReplyDelete
  7. Anonymous2:08 PM

    I don't have to tell you how much your work has enlightened me. I now see quilting in a new light. I hope to have the courage to follow the direction my own work is taking me in 2006. You're so generous and thoughtful. Thank you for all the fun conversation, tutorials and inspiration. Happy New Year and by the way who the hell needs Martha anyway!!!!when you can lump yourself in with Georgia O, you need no further proof of your abilities. Rock on with your strollin' baaaad self!!!!!Dee

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have been struggling with this issue myself. You are lucky to have like-minded people that you can toss thoughts around with. I agree about the "stick with your voice" thing, but I think small works are good for when you have limited time or are suffering from quilters-block. I love the quilt!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Your free machine quilting is fantabulous! And such an inspiration. Thank you for your very generous sharing over the past year. I have enjoyed and appreciated it all.
    Val

    ReplyDelete
  10. Melody, It has been a pleasure reading your blog this year :-). my vote is to follow your vision, if only to keep yourself amused.
    Claire

    ReplyDelete
  11. You've already heard from me in private...we are so BIG that we must keep the communicado on the down low, you know...anywho, it's f'ing fantastic.

    I resolve not f'ing curse so dm'd much.

    Happy New Year and thank you for everything. I love you dearly.

    ReplyDelete
  12. It's beautiful!!! Happy New Year to you!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Well, you are sure on your way to bigger and better! I have always enjoyed your landscapes the most because they are much more thought out and take a little more work...you know what I mean! (I hope) Sometimes it gets very easy to pull out the small pieces...I know this oh so well, and the bigger ones take time, committment and a lot more energy. You've got the pieces now for Visions! Wish I were that far along.

    It's been fun watching what you are doing since I met you are Art Quilt Tahoe...over a year ago. REally love the direction your work is taking.
    Happy New Year to you and happy arting!

    Liz Berg

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