My creative process began with looking up the definition of “revolution” in the dictionary.

Revolution and revolt share a common origin, both tracing back to the Latin “revolvere,” meaning “to revolve, roll back.” In the 14th century, “revolution” initially described the orbit of a celestial body, later expanding to include regular motion or predictable returns. Simultaneously, it took on the meaning of a sudden, radical change, stemming from the idea of reversal in the Latin verb. “Revolt,” originally meaning “to renounce allegiance,” evolved from the same concept of “rolling back” from a prior bond of loyalty.

This exploration inspired me to consider ideas centered around Earth’s revolution around the Sun.

​While working I considered titles​. Such as “Two Steps Forward and Three Steps Backwards,” reflecting my own progress on the piece, from procrastinating, ​to dealing with a temperamental sewing machine.

Other ideas included “As Night Follows Day”

As I was adding the final touches, I recalled a poem by Pablo Neruda, I had read some years ago.

Upon finishing the work, a title inspired by the poem felt perfect.

Here are some closing lines from the poem:

“And suddenly I saw the heavens

unfastened and open,

planets, palpitating plantations,

shadow perforated,

riddled with arrows, fire and flowers,

the winding night, the universe.

And I, infinitesimal being,

drunk with the great starry void,
likeness, image of mystery,

felt myself a pure part of the abyss,

I wheeled with the stars, my heart broke loose on the wind” 

by Pablo Neruda

Janine Ibbini

Dimensions 39.5” x 25.5”

Discharged Cotton, Applique,

Machine Stitch, Hand Embroidery

100% Cotton