I had so much fun stitching the first Tidal Wave that I was eager to create another. Since I had more of the same, well worn, vintage quilt, I thought I would stitch a mirror image. Of course, I hadn't kept the large piece of paper on which I drew the first wave outline. So, this one really isn't a mirror image. The wave is simply headed in the opposite direction. Thankfully, I have an enormous stash of found "stuff". Between the two tidal waves, I have managed to put a small dent in the collection. The room in which I store my found objects is still a disaster area though. Perhaps another tidal wave!
Like the first piece, this work provides a place for many unusual and often obsolete things, especially things that I don't have in multiples for a Found Object Mandala. Like the first piece, this work is also a response to the problems of ocean pollution. This has been one of my concerns for years and years. Yet this week, I'm like most people. I'm thinking about a disaster of another nature ... wildfires ... especially as the death toll climbs on Maui. I haven't figured out an appropriate way to turn these horrible events into a visual expression but I am thinking about tornadoes.
A tornado is another disaster that sends objects in every direction. When one hits a town, news channels film the aftermath, the scattered debris that was once treasured. My mind is thinking about button outlines and random found objects. The vision is still very foggy. So, it's an idea that may or may not become a reality. As long as I continue to have such an assortment of "stuff", I might as well consider other ways to use them!
Like Tidal Wave I, this new piece is very heavy. I spent nearly a full day mounting it. The photo above shows the backside. It shows the stretcher bar to which I glued a piece of acid-free foam-centered board. A strong, doubled thread was then stitched through the foam-centered board and the quilt, generally through one of the holes in one of the objects. In this way, the weight of the objects is distributed. No part is required to carry the weight of more than an inch or two. Everything is firmly attached to both the quilt and this substrata.
(Above and further below ... more detail images of Tidal Wave II.)
2 comments:
This is amazing! I would love to sneak a peek into your studio to get a glimpse of all the wonderful bits and pieces in your stash.
I was fortunate enough not only to see this piece and many others, but also to meet Susan. Absolutely incredible work. So thankful for the opportunity.
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