Tag: textile arts

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In the Studio~Spring at Last!

Finally Spring has arrived here in the mountains, though the threat of a freeze has not passed. Still the days have become warmer and even the birds seem happier! I have begun some of the yard work necessary after a long cold winter and look forward to the colorful flowers of summer…

In the studio, I have continued to work on new pieces. Here is the the latest in the Visions of Spain series~Flamenco Swirl #3.

Flamenco Swirl #3, 13 1/4" x 21", rayon and metallic on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach.
Flamenco Swirl #3, 13 1/4″ x 21″, metallic on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach.

 

These pieces began with a simple line drawing to capture the figure and movement of a dramatic flamenco dancer.  The excitement, sounds, and visions of this experience will never be forgotten! This piece is a reverse of Flamenco Swirl #2~~the figure is done using a “reverse applique” technique.

Flamenco Swirl #1 is on exhibit currently, so this photograph was taken in the gallery. This first figure was created using bright red dotted fabric with a familiar ruffled hem to accent the swirling movement of the dancer.

My memories of this dance are expressed in this piece…

Flamenco Swirl #1 on Exhibit, 19" x 15 3/4", rayon on cotton. © 2014 Joni Beach.
Flamenco Swirl #1 on Exhibit, 19″ x 15 3/4″, rayon on cotton. © 2014 Joni Beach.

 

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Spring Yellow~Hope

In March, winter has a hard time leaving the area where we live. One day it will be sunny and warm with signs of the hope of spring.ylFlrs

A few days later winter’s blanket of white will cover the newly budded flowers and trees.

yllFlrsSnow

But through this transition, ultimately spring will arrive and summer will follow…A recent art quilt, which is now on exhibit, also shows the brilliance of a yellow flower. For me I always think of these as signs of hope and a celebration of life!

The inspiration for this piece was a photo that I took in a backyard garden that captured its colors and shape from a different angle~the bottom side~ with the sunlight shining from above.

A Different Perspective, rayon on cotton. 45" x 45", © 2014 Joni Beach. Pieced, free-motion quilting. applique, threadsketching.($2000)
A Different Perspective, rayon on cotton. 45″ x 45″, © 2014 Joni Beach. Pieced, free-motion quilting. applique, threadsketching.

I enlarged the image to the desired size to use as a guide. The composition was pieced by cutting fabric pieces and gluing them into position. Extensive free-motion quilting was used to construct the design and add depth and texture. The edges were finished with a facing. I also sign and date each wall-hanging in the lower left-hand corner, using free-motion threadsketching.

A Different Perspective and other contemporary textiles may be seen in the Art Gallery. Enjoy these signs of spring…hope…and a celebration of life!

 Several pieces are available through Eucalyptus Massage Center Gallery. 

*I would love to hear what inspires you and are your reminders of hope?

 

 

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More “Visions of Spain”

The art quilts in the Visions of Spain series are expressions gathered from travel to this wonderful country. Today I want to share with you 2 additional pieces–Metalworks: Wrought Iron #3 and Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid). Both of these are small whole-cloth quilted pieces mounted on a tan linen-like covered canvas. The quilting line provides the design on a solid piece of fabric.

First, Metalworks: Wrought Iron #3 was influenced by the designs and motifs I saw on many old stone buildings, grand wrought iron fences and gates surrounding quiet gardens and parks, and the wonderful flowered-filled balconies hanging over narrow streets.

DSC02255WrghtIron
Wrought Iron, 7 1/2 x 9 12″, rayon on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. Whole-cloth quilting.

The second piece, Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid), was inspired by large white columns towering overhead in the beautiful palace of glass and stone near a fountained-lake where black swans swam at Retiro Park.

Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid), 8 12" x 10", rayon on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. Wholecloth quilting. ($90)
Column at Crystal Palace (Madrid), 8 12″ x 10″, rayon on cotton, © 2014 Joni Beach. Whole-cloth quilting.

These two pieces are currently showing in the exhibit, Lifeweavings: A Creative Journey, at the Eucalyptus Massage Center Gallery through April, 2014. For more information about the Visions of Spain series and individual pieces, see my website Art Gallery! 

These works are available through Eucalyptus Massage Center Gallery.