Back in February, I gave the prompt Neighborhood to our group.
At the time, I was teaching, and traveling, and preparing for an exhibition at the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. I was in my perpetual state of running behind.
About Mid-March, Covid-19 became a reality for all of America, and many of us began to shelter in place.
I have long wanted to make a quilt like this one which features dozens of two color combinations of what I call pieced “polka dots”. When they are grouped together, they can begin to resemble neighborhoods.
Originally, I was going to call the quilt Melting Pot, but after Covid-19, Shelter in Place is what I would see every time I looked at this quilt in progress.
Shelter in Place by Maria Shell
40’’ x 60’’
Machine Pieced & Quilted
Prompt—Neighborhood
It takes me inside each block, and studying the interaction of one block to another. It’s a study in color theory as well as a masterwork of piecing. And — it’s so big!!
As always, your color choices surprise and delight me! That the most basic of geometric shapes, in your composition, immediately remind each viewer of a place and time is brilliant. I could look at this piece forever and find it engaging every time.
Reminds me of NYC. Lots and lots of buildings and no slivers between them. Love this piece.
I love it, Maria. It reminds me of the towers of homes in Hong Kong. Building after building of windows.
The time it takes to piece this number of blocks , develop the color and placement of each fabric, and finish the quilting reflects the focus we all need to devote to our art in these difficult days. Maria, your work is always stunning, and this beautiful quilt reminds us of the blessed turning of the days into the night and the safety of home.
Bethany- I could use your words for my artist statement! So wonderfully said. Thank you!