Wild Thing 1968

 Building an art quilt is complex. You have to conceptualize it, turn that concept into a workable pattern, select the perfect fabric, and construct your pattern into what is called the quilt top. A quilt requires three layers: the top, the batting, and the backing. In April, I decided to join a friend, Sandi Stromberg, in a collaboration show with the theme of “Wild.”

Sandi is a fine poet with a couple of excellent books and many, many publishing credits to her name. Between the two of us, we decided on the year 1968 for our interpretation of Wild. She was 21, I was 18. The world was changing in unimaginable ways. I threw myself into the revolution, so to speak. (Sandi has her own story and I can’t tell it for her.)

 Sandi wrote a beautiful poem that I will provide a link to when it is officially published. I created a portrait quilt of myself at 18 striding confidently into that new and amazing world. I used an actual photograph someone took of me back in the day (when there were no selfies) for my quilt.

 Portrait quilting is new to me and, luckily, my quilt guild happened to be offering a one-day class on it in early May. That helped me immensely. I created a self-portrait, designed a background with the kind of rising expectations I had in those days, and sewed endlessly. At least it felt that way…

 The digital image for the exhibition catalogue was due June 24, so I felt a lot of pressure. My blog post on June 15, Thread Lines, Deadlines, and Everything Else, was an exploration of those exhausting days.

 Since the 24^th, I have been laying low. Aside from my quilting bee pals, family, and a few close friends, no one has seen the finished quilt. “Wild Thing – 1968” (Self-Portrait) is now officially hung at the gallery and I am free to release her.

 The opening reception is on Friday, August 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the Sabine Street Studios, 1907 Sabine Street, Houston, TX 77007. If you live in Houston or hereabouts, you are cordially invited to attend. The writings that accompany each piece of art will be read at 6:30 p.m.

 Now I am proud and happy to finally present my “Wild Thing – 1968” art quilt to you!

 What are you busting your buttons about these days?

Ciao

P.S. Two details I am especially happy about is that the purse in the quilt is made from a piece of lovely, soft doeskin my dad gave to me many years ago. And the jeans are real denim!!