When Terry Grant gave us the prompt Gardens, Parks and Greenspaces, I knew immediately what the subject of my art quilt would be. Hong Kong Park. While I have never lived in a large city, I know the importance of calming green spaces amid the hectic chaos that is Hong Kong.
While I loved walking the busy streets, I always enjoyed catching my breath among the beautiful green colors of the multilevel park. You would see all kinds of people taking pleasure in the shade of the trees and the music of the water fountains. Seniors would practice tai chi; parents would chase after toddlers learning to run; and wedding parties dressed to the nines would jump out of cars and pose for the waiting photographers.
For my piece, Hong Kong Park, I used a couple of photographs I had taken in the park, along with some abstract drawings I created on my Android tablet.
Hong Kong Park
Water Lily
Abstract 1
Abstract 2
If you look closely you’ll see grid patterns, reminiscent of city streets, in my hand stitching. The red x’s signify the hot pink flowers of the Hong Kong orchid tree (Bauhinia blakeana) that you see everywhere including the Hong Kong flag.
So that you’ll know the park is in Hong Kong, you’ll see part of I.M. Pei’s iconic Bank of China Tower in the background.
Hong Kong Park
Deb Cashatt
Dimensions 16″ x 40″
Material: Silk/linen blend fabric, wool batting, perle cotton.
Technique: Digitally created image printed on silk/cotton blend. Hand quilted.
Kowloon Park? I’ve been there! And I felt the same sigh of relief from the crowded city. You captured it. We met a bird watcher who had his telescope trained on a parrot in a tree. It was a special afternoon.
Not Kowloon Park, but I’ve been there, too. The crew hotel used to be close to Kowloon Park, then they moved to Wan Chai, so Hong Kong Park was closer for us. They have so many wonderful parks in the midst of all the skyscrapers. It’s amazing how much green space there is.
Love the delicate colours and the handstitching, a beautiful piece!
Thanks, Regina. Delicate colors aren’t really my thing, but I’m learning to like them.
The soft focus is so effective. Really get that sense of calm amidst the chaos of the city.
Thanks, Terry. I’m working on abstracting. Thanks for mentioning soft focus. I guess that’s what I’m shooting for.
You’ve really captured the feeling of a city park. An oasis in the craziness.
Thanks, Jeanne.
Love the fabric and the hand stitching. Definitely a cooling space in a hot sticky climate.
Thanks, Lisa. Now they need to create buildings with the green like your quilt. Wouldn’t that be amazing?