Custom Quilts
Fractured Landscapes
Fractured Landscapes are just that - landscaped scenes which have been 'fractured' into parts, and then assigned a fabric value of light, medium, or dark tones. Once the individual fractured pieces are assembled, they are then re-sewn into a whole quilt; similar to that of a jig-saw puzzle being put back together again. And while just about any design can be 'fractured' and re-stitched, this particular process lends itself exceptionally well to landscaped scenes of nature. This can include an over-all view of mountain or meadow, seascape or forest; even a close-up study of tree or flower. Most any scene from nature - be it a garden, treasured childhood spot, or favorite vacation place - can be re-interpreted into a 'fractured' design. A photograph, painting, or postcard, even a scene from a video, can be re-formed to become a unique and individualized style of wall-hanging.
The Bridge
This quilt was sketched from a video tape of the television show based on Catherine Marshall's best-selling book, "Christy"; an episode entitled 'Judgment Day.'
The video tape was stilled to this particular scene, and sketched onto paper, which was then enlarged into the necessary templates to make the quilt. It measures approximately 52" x 58".
Framed in borders of varying widths and colors; white, lilac, marbled green, and blue, it is then bound with a small black bias strip to finish. Each border color picks up on, and enhances, one of the major colors from within the fractured scene itself.
The quilt is machine-pieced. While the top uses a combination of both hand-quilting and machine free-style quilting; thereby giving greater emphasis and clarity to the various shapes, i.e. tree trunks and logs, leafy boughs, water, mountain, and brush.
The fracture in the center of the quilt is that of a circle, framing both the main characters (Christy and Dr. MacNeill). This technique leads the eye to focus right onto the central theme of the quilt, which is of course the bridge and it's occupants.
The multitude of fractures in this quilt serves to highlight the play of light and dark, giving a sense of movement and depth to the piece. Nothing is still or static. The scene actually breathes.
The back of this quilt (or any landscape quilt for that matter) is an echo of the frontal scene, as demonstrated by the photograph at left. From the back view, the quilting lines and colors can be seen clearly, and more distinct. A case of either side being its own work of art.
This landscape quilt is an excellent example of a closer, more in-depth study of nature. It is a re-interpretation of a watercolor painted by artist Barbara Goss, from a postcard. The color and design of the two irises lend themselves beautifully to the medium of fabric-art.
Measuring 43" x 56", the quilt depicts two irises against a background of fern and tree. Darker fractures apply near the bottom of the quilt, as less light is found on the forest floor; while brighter fractures predominate nearer the top where sunlight presumably reaches the floral blooms, in a more direct manner, thereby highlighting the beauty and delicacy of their color.
Marbled green fabrics, encase a vivid yellow border; all of which take their respective colors from the fractured scene itself. Purple squares at each of the corners draws the eye inward toward the irises themselves, which are further emphasized by the light tonal quality of their respective fractured pieces.
Shades of purple, pink, and yellow, repeated in the different fabrics and patterns of the two flowers, lend an elegant simplicity of design - one that is akin to the detail found in nature itself. This makes for an eye-pleasing counterpoint to the predominate greens and browns of the forest background.
The entire quilt is then framed with a triangular border of Prairie Points; the colors of which echo the purples and pinks of the irises at the center of the design. This finishes the quilt nicely, emphasizing a continuity which extends from both within the design, as well as from without.
The wall-hanging is machine-pieced. The top is stitched with a machine satin-stitching, giving further body to the shapes of fern, leaf, stem, and branches. The flower petals are thusly defined as well. Setting it off, the wider dark-green border is hand-quilted, using a leaf and vine motif with pink floral buds in the form of French-knots. All in all, a very unique, outstanding, and colorful presentation.
Bear Ridge
Hidden midst the coves of the Great Smokey Mountains within the Tennessee line, is a small rocky crag known as Bear Ridge/Lookout Rock. In this unique interpretation, a simple scene of mountain and sky is rendered into a deeply-fractured work of art. A magnificent tapestry of color and design, measuring 52" x 50".
The night sky (upper right) fades into morning with growing rays of light (upper left). These tonal values echo towards mid-quilt; as reverberating vaults of mountain peaks clash, yet blend in, with the newly-dawning day. Across the rolling hillsides, an occasional shaft of light escapes through a cloud, shining the morning's glory upon foothills and trees.
The wall-hanging is bordered with a thin strip of white, tone on tone, and then further framed with a lavender color, picking up on the lighter, mauve shades of distant mountain and brightening sky. The entire piece is finished with a Prairie Point border of marbled blue and green triangles, further tying the colors from without the landscape, to those shades that dance within.
The
jutting rock structure (lower left) has been fractured into three squares,
nested one within the other; a counterpoint to the smooth-flowing curves of sky.
Stone, rigid and firm, presents a contrast to the soft, sweeping form of
billowing clouds.
This closer view gives a clearer picture of the rocky crag. Shades of gray, slate, black and browns weave themselves in and out of the fractures, further delineating the rugged shape of mountain stone, and shale.
Situated amid the center of dull gray and slate, is an embroidered bush with three red roses in bloom. An unusual focal point which stands out by its distinctive color and softer shape, yet which also draws the eye in closer at the same time for a more detailed look.
A further glimpse shows the wide variety of fabrics and patterns used in order to achieve the effect of mountain, tree, and sky. Dozens of pieces of material blend with each other, across the fractured lines and forms. Light tones play off against medium and darker shades to give a sense not only of depth, but of movement as well. Nature is not static and neither is this quilt. It lives and breathes among the rolling hills and ever-changing sky.
A wide stand of pine trees takes shape beneath the shadow of Bear Rock, executed in a variety of green, and brown fabrics, and patterns. In its own way offering a bit of whimsical detail. This wall-hanging was machine-pieced, and the top entirely hand-quilted. The design was worked from a photograph taken off the internet.
For further information regarding any of the above items or designs, please contact us at Custom Quilts.