Saturday, November 30, 2013

Dichotomy

I had about 25 things on my suggestions list for the theme of Escape. I chose to go with the theme of cages. Aside from the literal idea of keeping wild birds in cages or setting them free, it seemed like we are all in cages. Sometimes we make our own bars, by creating a home, an environment, where we are cocooned from the wildness of nature. Sometimes other people put cages around us to protect us, and sometimes we are truly imprisoned by others' desires for power and control.

When we have the chance to escape to freedom, not everyone chooses that path.

Birds are naturally free in the elements, but they then have the 'prison' of finding food, shelter and avoiding predators.

Life is never entirely black or white, and that's why I chose Dichotomy as my title.

This quilt can be hung either in the black or white orientation.

The technicalities were that I drew the basic outlines of the cages and birds on soluble stabiliser and stitched it from the white side. I then washed the quilt to remove the soluble before more stitching and applique. The advantage of the outline stitching was that I had the exact placement for both sides of the quilt. The main stitching was done with 30 weight thread, while the quilting was done with very fine thread. Even though there are little 'ticks' of fine black thread on the white side where I changed direction, I find they add a certain pattern to the stitch.



7 comments:

  1. Congratulations on this piece. Very well worked out. The bird cages are beautiful and the technique very interesting.

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  2. Julia, this is stunning. You have caught what you were trying to say well, with a touch of whimsy.

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  3. Oh my gosh, Julia, I love this quilt. It's such and interesting and beautiful interpretation of the theme. I think it's brilliant that it's double-sided.

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  4. I agree with all of the above, great concept and great execution. The double sided aspect is inspired! I really love this piece, Julia.

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  5. Gorgeous visual. Unbelievable execution! Arresting concept. I loved your comment "When we have the chance to escape to freedom, not everyone chooses that path.

    Birds are naturally free in the elements, but they then have the 'prison' of finding food, shelter and avoiding predators.

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  6. This is fabulous Julia. This is beautiful to gaze upon, and can be interpreted in so many ways associated to the theme. Love it!

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  7. Ooh so clever! My sister collects these bird cages and would take this quilt home in a snap... of course she would have to fight me for it first!

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