Regina Marzlin, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

The theme “Compromise” immediately brought to my mind the phrase “give and take”. This is what for me compromise is all about – you meet somewhere in the middle, and each party has to give and take to reach a compromise.

 I wanted to express this concept in an abstract way. The idea to visualize it through so-called expanded squares came about quickly. These are also called Notan squares, after the Japanese concept of Notan. This word means literally “light-dark harmony” and is a guiding principle of design that focuses on the interaction between positive and negative space. In this way, it recognizes the separate but equally important identity of both a shape and its background. This is done often in black and white but I wanted to introduce colour to make it more interesting.

By flipping the cut-out segments of squares to the outside of the squares the concept of “give and take” is mirrored in the interplay of positive and negative space.

I painted the fabrics for this piece except for the dark grey/black fabric which is commercial cotton. The Notan squares are fused on and the quilting was done in simple vertical lines of varying width. The variegated thread used introduces some movement and interest.

Give and Take

Regina Marzlin

Dimensions: h 39.5″ x w 30″

Material: cotton fabric, fabric paint, fusible web, sewing thread

Technique: piecing, painting, raw edge applique, machine stitching