Friday, January 27, 2006

The Preview!

Cruciform Series #4 :Ellipses
Hand dyed cottons, fused, 65 x 54" before quilting.

The original sketch to remind you of where I began this top, last Saturday. The transparency was made on Sunday and I began to do the tracing and apply the fabric that day. So it has been a good week of work to arrive here. This is way more time than I usually spend on a top, by a long shot, but this is a very complex design with lots of little pieces.

I ended up changing the top of this section to one that was less busy, but then it was too light against the background pastels, I later discovered when I shot the top in black and white.


That top area completely dissolved into the background and I knew it had to be changed. The black and white version also showed me three other weak areas, and I added and subtracted and switched for another three hours, and now I am very satisfied. Very satisfied.

The digital camera really has made such a difference in the way I work these days, with opportunities to change the way I view something or by printing out the image and making changes on the paper before I do it on the final piece.

I don't think I will be able to get to the quilting for a while, as I must seriously focus on the gigs that are upcoming. At least I will have this image for my lectures, and the process photos too.

18 comments:

  1. This is my favorite of the series so far! Lovely.

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  2. Mel, it's just incredible. Really, I don't see how you can keep topping yourself, but this is (IMHO) your best ever.

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  3. Anonymous2:30 PM

    Oh my goodness! This looks almost 3D on my screen - it's amazing. You really are an artist. And whilst I'm commenting, here's a heartfelt thank you for all your tutorials with their easy to understand instructions and lovely clear photos. So generous of you, especially for those of us who live across the pond and can't come to a workshop. And who, quite frankly, would feel far too intimidated to anyway. So thanks again Melody, you're a star.

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  4. WOW...WOW This is incredible. And what a thrill to see it come to life from a simple (well, maybe not so simple) sketch to this beautiful piece of ART. Thank you so much for sharing the process as well as the result. There is much to be learned from you.

    Now, pour yourself a glass or two and celebrate!

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  5. I'm pretty amazed by all of the art that seems to just flow out of you. Now, I know you have spent a lifetime educating yourself and working at your art, but really, this is amazing. One after another. Jen

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  6. Anonymous5:36 PM

    So INTENSE so AMAZING! I had to leave the room and computer to go elsewhere and gather myself to come back and look again. It is 3-D, it is amazing. My DH commented, well at last an interesting quilt.......he knows the traditional.

    You earned yourself a whole bottle of red wine tonight. Cheers.

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  7. Mrs. Mel. This is, to me, the finest work you have done to date. It is truely artistic and exemplary. Congrats and I am proud to be your friend.

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  8. WOW! I saw the sketch and said to myself...no way can she copy that. But you did and it it is beautiful. Thanks for the tip on using the camera in grayscale to see problems...can't wait to see it quilted...perhaps you could take different photos as you quilt it...so we could see the full breakdown from start to beginning...it would also be good for future slides...hint-hint.

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  9. WOW, That was a super wow! you must have worked none stop. Take an epson salt bathe immediately! lol. It is beautiful. I see a penquin in the front and dolphins after and their reflection in the sky. That is the first look. Now later I will probably see some more. What size is it Melody?
    Rosy

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  10. Anonymous7:34 PM

    I'll add my congratulations on this incredible piece, I think it is the best of what is a wonderful new series for you. I've enjoyed reading about your process, your trials and tribulations and most of all, your successes.
    It is a fantastic work of art!
    Rebecca in Texas

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  11. Anonymous1:57 AM

    I am speechless. The design is so complex and so perfectly executed; I have to keep examining it to understand what you accomplished. WOW!

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  12. Anonymous4:07 AM

    I have enjoyed watching this work evolve. You write in a very easy to follow manner and I appreciate that you share so much of your creative self.

    Kat
    Oamaru NZ

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  13. gorgeous! the sketch looked so complex you pulled it off flawlessly. I can hardly wait to see it in the fiber.

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  14. Very well done - effective use of color, value, line, everything. It's really wonderful Melody!

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  15. Anonymous10:30 PM

    From the moment I saw the drawing, my mind said 'surfboards'. I know that sounds plain and rather base, but seeing as surfboards are so stunningly painted these days and waxed to such a polish...I could see them in color reflecting the sun and sea back on to a beautiful day at the beach - all lined up, leaning against a rail...like soldiers of play. And then, there they were - more brilliant than I could ever have imagined. It is the sky, or what I see as the sky, that makes them seem to leap from the ready and come to life. Thanx for sharing - simply awesome!

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  16. Hey Melody! The new quilt is incredible! I have to agreee w/ all the other comments..A real WOW piece! I love how you just get to it, and get it done, already.Later, Anne L

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  17. Repeating myself and everyone else, but FABULOUS. You know that I love your drawings and think that they should be exhibited by themselves or along with the quilts. I can't believe how energetic the linework of the quilt composition looks. It really captures what you drew. And you are a master of color. Simply awesome and transforming to the soul.

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  18. Melody - your comment about digital cameras got me thinking about how I use my camera in my creative endeavours - you can see my post on this subject at:

    http://serendipitypatchwork.blogspot.com/2006/02/very-useful-gift.html

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Hello,
So nice of you to drop by. I love your comments, and if you would really like a reply, please email me at fibermania at g mail dot com