When Lark Books invited me to
submit work for two publications, both entitled Pretty Little Mini
Quilts, I selected three from my American Family Album series. Since
many of the quilts in that series are larger than required for this
book, I went to my 'Snapshot' section of that series. I based these
little gems on two non-professional style photographs; the old
photo-booth style pics or snapshots taken by family or friends. I love
the 'posed' nature within these otherwise casual moments. Lark chose
the piece entitled 'Portrait of Velma'. An avid quilter before she lost
the majority of her eyesight, Velma was my fathers mother. I was
especially thrilled that this was their choice. Commemorating a loved
one in these little art-quilts portrays the subject beyond the image in
the photo; the personality and idiosyncrasies truly come through. And
while all my pictorial art-quilts do this in some way or another, these
little ones offer a type of fine-focus aspect that larger more complex
works don't invite. Measuring 12" wide by 17" in length and heavily
embellished with beading, embroidery and of course quilting, I loved
doing these so much that a new series has emerged. Entitled 'Snapshots'
this work eventually moved beyond my own family photos and commissioned
works, now including any found snapshots that captivate my
imagination. Only one problem....so many photos, so little time! :)
Affordable
and whimsical, if you are new to commissioning art work, or new to
art-quilts, these are often a good place to engage the process. My
'Snapshot' art-quilts are so popular in fact that I now offer gift
certificates for those wanting to introduce friends and family to this
wonderful unexpected art form. In my next blog post I'll feature a few
more from my last American Family Album exhibit.... just to share the
fun of these tiny textile treasures.
