Looking Back: Is it Art Yet?
Solar Tide
I had an elderly relative who suffered from dementia. When his condition took a rapid downturn, it showed up in the next quilt, REcall Unraveled.
WARNING: Tear jerker alert. If this topic hits a little too close to home, you may want to stop reading now.
With REcall Unraveled, I used a traditional log cabin block to tell the story. The colors and tilt of the blocks change across the quilt to indicated increased confusion. This is also mimicked by a change in the quilting pattern.
REcall Unraveled
The lower portion of the quilt is pieced with wrong sides together, and then washed. This caused the fabrics to unravel, just like the memory of my relative.
REcall Unraveled, detail
On the back, I included statements made by my relative, showing his progression deeper into this illness.
REcall Unraveled, back detail
WARNING: Here comes the sad part. The statements read:
My name is Joe.
I was born in 19 and 12.
My wife’s name is Oma.
She passed away.
Where is my car?
I’m 66 years old. (He was 88 at the time.)
We used to live in Springfield.
Have you seen my keys?
Oma passed away, didn’t she?
I love music.
How old am I?
Did Oma pass away?
Did Oma pass away?
I can’t find my wallet.
Where’s Oma?
(As a follow up, Joe started a new medication and only remained in this very confused state for about six months. Later, he was quite cognizant and had a long and happy life.)
What stories have your quilts told? (Please warn me if they’re sad. Sorry, but I may not read them.)
Ellen Lindner
P.S. Although not on my website, many of these early pieces are still available for purchase. Contact me if you want more information.
Recall Unraveled is a lovely quilt with a touching story. So interesting how you portrayed the story in the construction of the quilt blocks. Thanks for sharing.
Great to see the beginning of your quilting career & nice to reflect back on the early work & experiments which have contributed to where you are today Ellen.
best wishes, Sue