Most of the art quilts that I’ve been making have been fairly free form. So I wanted to try my hand at a Still Life. I wanted it to be vibrant with color and simple in design. The fabrics that I chose would be very important.
First, not knowing which veggies would make the final cut, I went to the refrigerator to see what was available. I arranged various combinations on a cutting board and ended up with something that looked pleasing. I photographed them as I went along to get various perspectives. When I was satisfied I made a print in the size that I wanted to sew and prepared templates. I adhered a clear piece of laminating film to the printed design and cut the shapes that I wanted to use.
For the first time I went to my little stash of hand dyes and selected the veggie fabrics. Believe me when I say this was a really big deal. This is my holy grail of fabric.
I found pieces amongst my commercial stash that would work for the background and the cutting board.
Eat Your Veggies
Once I had the composition in place I decided that some highlights were needed on the veggies. I added these with Tsukineko Inks, chosen because of the ability to readily control the amount and depth of the color to be added.
I machine quilted to add texture and interest.
As I said earlier it’s quite different from what I usually do – do you like it?
I first learned how to sew as a child on my mom’s old treadle Singer (and wish that I knew where that machine is now!) and am now in love with my Berninas.
While going to school, raising a family and enjoying two satisfying careers I continued developing my skills with all kinds of needlecrafts and eventually discovered the magic of quilting.
Soon I began to stretch my imagination and creativity. This led to an interest in art quilting and I've been busy soaking up all kinds of techniques and adapting them to my creations. Now, I find myself on a journey to uncover, develop and to express the inner artist that I have so joyfully let loose.
I have learned so many ways to create beauty in fiber and am eager to share this knowledge. I am in love with color - saturated vibrant color.
I have also learned that there truly are no "quilt police" when it comes to one's personal expression of creativity; no right or wrong way. It just has to feel right and look right to you.
it is all a voyage of discovery. I just can’t imagine doing anything else.”
Several of my quilts, both traditional and art quilts have been displayed at Quilting in the Valley in Northridge, California, Lefferts Historic House and the Audubon Society in New York City.
My work "Going Around in All the Best Circles" was juried into the Pacific International Quilt Show.
I have shown in both local Fine Art Galleries and in Quilt Shows across the United States.
I am the author of the blog: The Mystical Allure of All Things Fiber since 2007.
In recent years I have uncovered a passion for writing - especially poetry - as well and have a lot of it on http://minervaspirit.com
See: http://guilagreerart.com
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Guila's Art & Other Assorted Joys 