Ozark Shelter-
This was a quilt I entered into the IQA show, and it wasn't accepted. Rejected.
This was my first year trying to get into the juried part of that show. I've had quilts AT the IQA show, but they were representing other shows. I knew going in the competition was tough.
I believe they say 45% of the quilts entered get into the show this year. I'm not discouraged. I think I'm capable of work on this level. Either this piece wasn't quite good enough, the jurors didn't like it, or I just didn't capture the true essence of this quilt in my submission images. I'm really not sure which it could be.
Obviously, I liked the piece. I think it has a lot of complex texture, but maybe a bit too simplistic when viewed as a whole.
I've been doing a few quilts now based on the rock formations in this area. This is another such quilt. My last quilt took a more fantasy track, but this is closer to reality. In fact, as far as all the others go, this is the most realistic of the bunch. Perhaps I have gone too far into realistic depiction?
It's all second guessing myself at this point. I think I'm good enough to get in this show, but I'm not sure. I won't give up. I'll try again next year. Maybe some thoughts about the quilt from others will help.
11 Comments:
Hi, I'm responding to your request for critique of the quilt. First, I like it overall and admire all the work you put into it. I like the colors of green and browns in the foliage, good choices. There are two things that puzzle me upon first view.... first, the shape of the black area in the center... it is very angular for existance in nature. The black area's left side is starkly vertical which is jarring visually. The other thought is that this dark area is centrally located and doesn't seem to follow the rule of thirds for focal areas. The black area, I'm thinking meant to be a shaded area under the log, draws the eye severely, taking away from the other work on the piece.
These thoughts are offered in kindness and a sincere effort to offer constructive criticism. I applaud your willingness to ask for opinions - that tells me you are a serious quilt artist dedicated to improving and growing in your work. We all need to look at our works with our critical minds and eyes, letting our hearts opinions sit on the shelf while we do. It's hard to do, I can tell you from experience.
I have a quilt that I just love, and the design came from many personal feelings. My husband hates it. I asked friends who told me it was not my best work. Ouch. I decided not to enter it because they pointed out some technical issues with design and color, but hey, I still love it. It keeps me warm when I read design mags at bedtime......... LOL
Hi Barb,
You don't give any dimensions for this piece and that would be helpful in critiquing it. But, even without that information here are a few thoughts--
First, I think the center section, ie the actual "picture," is very lovely. The colors and textures have a soft quality that expresses that deep woods, soft light feeling, really beautifully.
I am bothered by the shape of the "picture" section. The irregularity is fine and lends to the naturalistic feel, except for the large, curved dip on the right side. This is a stutter that just keeps pulling your attention.
I think the border is entirely unnessary and adds nothing to the piece. In fact it really leaves the impression that it is a device to make the piece bigger. That is one reason I asked about the size. The lighter inner border is especially distracting and in jarring contrast with the delicacy of the image. I think the whole piece would be much more successful without the border and with a little more consistency in the shape.
I'm not particularly bothered by the dark center area as gena is. It is hard to tell exactly what is there, but I am seeing an opening into a dark space and like the depth it creates. I'm unfamiliar with the "rule of thirds" she mentions, so can't comment on that.
I can see why you like this quilt. Your use of color and light really create atmosphere--I can almost smell the earthy, green forest smell! I am still interested in size. As a large piece it would probably be quite striking, especially with the beautiful detail that I think I see. As a small piece it could be one of those little gems that pull you in closer for study and observation. If it is of a "midddling" size (like in the 24 -30" range) I would find it a slightly uncomfortable size. Maybe that's just a personal preference, but I always tend to overlook those middle sized pieces more than the larger and the smaller.
First off, I quite like your piece, REALLY!
I agree with what Gena said regarding the dark area -maybe soften the vertical line on the left of the dark area - maybe break up the solid black into a dark brown and black, so it's not just one big black hole.
Although I'm not bothered by the shape of the picture area, I agree with Terry that the border isn't necessary and the lighter strip in the middle of the border actually detracts.
Regarding the size, are you sure the piece meets the minimum size requirements for Houston? It looks like a small piece in the picture and I think there may be a minimum size for Houston.
I think your realism is NOT the problem! You've captured a really nice mood and I love your textures.
Barb,
My comments echo those of the other posters. The textural effects are gorgeous, very mood-making. The quilting, fabric choices and applique are all part of a unity in the scene. Up close I find my eye distracted by the sharp black vertical. And I also noticed the "chunk" out of the edge on the right hand side - again, distracting from the core of the image.
I looked again at the thumbnail of the image on the blog page, and actually liked the border - that view gives the effect of looking from a distance, and from the "distance" I thought the central image really drew you in, so the border created an additional depth. In addition, the black space looks softer and more like a natural space. I see an optical illusion of a 3-D curve, like the edge of a cave wall.
I've never thought about it, but is there a way to guide viewers to look from a distance as well as up close? I suppose you just have to make it interesting in both aspects.
Hi,
I can relate to your confusion as to why and what is expected to getting into IQA Houston. Mine didn't get in either, but I see it as a learning experience and it's great that you gave it a try.
As far as your quilt goes, I like the overall picture and colors. I find the black area to centered and disturbing, it's too black. Maybe some freemotion quilting in different colored threads as shading getting blacker the more you get into the hole.
I also agree that I don't think the framing was necessary. It has a unique shape almost as if the wind was blowing throught the woods.
Best wishes,
Deb Baldwin
I agree with many of the previous helpful comments - the textures are wonderful, and very well executed; but there are several places where there is compositional awkwardness, and I don't feel the internal border enhances the design at all. What bothers me is, as a pictorial quilt is that it just isn't interesting enough (is this what you mean by your own 'too simplistic comment?) it doesn't say anything, engage my imagination or attention. It's a very small subject. Is the cavern man made or naturally occurring? does it shelter animals? or people on occasion ? has it been part of some human settlement which has long since gone? You commented that there are others in the region... none of which might have any bearing why yours wasn't selected - maybe there were already enough small, or pictorial, or mostly brown, quilts....
Hi, I have to agree with previous comments. The quality of your work is definately not the issue. I love the quilting, the detail, color range, The problem for me is the large dark square in the middle. The left side is straight and harsh which would not happen in the woods. I would also have liked to see some shades of dark gray and black, not just a large black peice. I would re-work that area only. Without the size of the peice, other comments may not mean much. I love the irregularity of the center image. This goes along with the nature theme. The outer strip of very straight lighter color then detracts from the movement of the inner peice. All in all, your technique is very, very good and you should have no problem getting into shows. Maybe an earlier critique before completing would help you.
i love the piece, it is interesting how you combined abstract shapes with organic life and nature.
k in ak
I think the quilt is beautiful and better than I could have made!
I do agree that the black in the center is distracting. It is like a void, a black hole.
Perhaps with some brown textures and a little more depth to the cave it would have been accepted.
That being said, your work is beautiful and I am in awe of your talent! I want to be like you when I grow up~ lol!
Well, I like it, if that's any consolation. The only criticism I can come up with is that the black "hole" is smack in the center of the piece. I might have moved it down and to the right just a bit, and maybe you could have had something very shadowy in the opening...just enough to make us wonder what's watching us from in there.
In common with others, I think the left straight side to the shelter/cave is the distracting part to this lovely quilt. My own inclination would be to simply add more leaves to break up the line a little, but a lot depends on how much, if at all you want to rework it. I leave more detailed critique to those better qualified than I.
Part of the appeal for me is the mystery, what/who uses this place as a shelter, is it still in there? Have the birds stopped singing? In other words, it makes me stop and think about such a place, how would I have felt finding this place as a child, as an old(ish) woman etc.
Post a Comment
<< Home