Lately, we’ve been seeing lots of quilts that are photos printed onto fabric and then stitched. Although often stunning from across the room, I’m not always enamored with these quilts. That’s because I want to see something more than the photo. I want to see some added texture, drawing with the quilting line, or thread painting that really ADDS something to the image. I want to see “the hand of the artist.” That is, some way in which the artist has expanded or reinterpreted the photo. Otherwise, why not just print it on paper and frame it? This is a quilt. I want to see something that elevates the image.
Not surprisingly, there were several of these photo quilts at the AQS show in Daytona this year. I’m showing you several I think were especially well done.
This magnificent quilt by Sue de Vanny, is a prime example.
Click any image for a larger view
I don’t believe this one was printed on the fabric. Instead, she used a variety of fabrics to create the basic design, and she then used additional stitching to really bring it to life. My photo is a little out of focus, but I think you can make out the abundant zigzag stitching she has done to soften the edges of the fabrics and to add detail. Beautiful!
Constanze Botel started with a wonderful high contrast photo printed onto fabric.
She added lots of personality and details with the quilting. The word “photographer” is stitched into the background. You can just make out the g to the left of his ear.
This bird quilt was made by Nancy Sterett Martin. The feathers begged for stitching to help make them stand out.
Nancy took it one step further, however, by adding lots of textured fabric, as well. I think it’s very successful.
I think I read that this next quilt did not have a printed photo as a starting point. Instead, each subtle bit of shading and detail was achieved with fabric and thread. It was made by Barbara Binotto.
Now, check out some of her fabulous textured details: 3D Branches!
And water with textured bits used to great effect.
I hope we’ll see more quilts like these in future shows. To me, they’re MUCH more interesting than just thread painting.
Ellen Lindner
P.S. I fully understand that heavy thread painting is an art and I greatly respect the workmanship.
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