Since my Rust-Dying session last year, this gorgeous panel of big, round shapes was on my design wall and called me every day “What am I going to be?”, but muse was hiding.
The algorithms of social media lately inundated me with an advertisement for “Your Photos into Digital Media”. As annoying ads usually are, it brought home that I do have a lot of great memories that need to be digitized. The first images coming to mind were of our visit to Yellowstone National Park. Looking through the photos, it was eye opening how much this landscape is the absolute manifestation of constant Transformation.
It was time to raid my closet full of hand-dyed cotton fabrics. Nothing is too precious, and I just started pulling fabrics in the colors of Yellowstone’s bizarre landscape and natural features. Working with the many hues of watery blue, rust and ochre, all shades of green, almost white wood and minerals of nature sparked even more memories.
I remembered when we visited Mammoth Hot Springs, the famous sinter terraces, we found a mostly dry, blaring white rock. The hot spring had suddenly dried up several months before. At this point, no one could explain why nature decided to stop the water. Luckily, a new side branch has started to seep out of the rock formations.
Once the quilt top was ready to receive my love for the stitched line, I learned a lot how rusted fabrics behave; in short, not very nice. The oxidation makes the fabric brittle and leaves abrasive iron particles within the cloth, so it’s important to clean the sewing machine well and often. Softer threads can’t stand up to the stress of stitching, – fine cotton or rayon will not survive. Hand stitching has been my to-go-to for added texture and interest.
Now it’s finished, and I’m left with one big wish, – go back to Yellowstone National Park.
Yellowstone 4-2
Lisa Jenni
20″ x 40″
Materials: Hand dyed cotton, rust dyed cotton, “Radiance” silk-cotton blend.
Threads of cotton, rayon and polyester.
Techniques: Rust dying, hand applique, machine piecing and quilting, hand embroidery.
What a great interpretation of the landscape! Love this piece!
Hi Lisa, Its a really good way to use your rust dyed fabrics. You have made such a good interpretation of the very unusual landscape with your choice of fabrics. Its fabulous!
Such a beautiful interpretation using the rusted fabrics. Delicious.
Brilliant piece Lisa. Done with your usual perfection in both you work and your thoughts.
So absolutley beautiful, Lisa… the deep colour of the rust and the story about the white rock and the changes in the land – transformed, enticing. Love the dark accents pieced into the sides and centre.
Thank you, Bethany. The rust color of my, -originally technique exploration, got me going into the color world of Yellowstone NP. Once it was on my radar, it expanded more and more. I love it when I create a piece of cloth AND find the perfect image synonym.
Wow! You certainly nailed this. Thank you for your process.