Design
Concept
The design for the grid in this quilt is based on the orderly progressions of scale, observed in nature by thirteenth century mathematician Leonardo Fibonacci (1-2-3-5-8-etc.). A series of circles in graduated sizes and colors float over the surface of the grid in a diagonal compound curve.
To design this quilt I made a detailed line drawing in Corel Draw using long rectangles in the Fibonacci progression (1-2-3-5-8-etc.). After I had finalized the line drawing I began filling it with progressions of color and value. I also filled part of the grid with a photograph (bit map) of one of my painted fabrics to be sure the idea would work. I tried many different combinations of color, and eventually looked at all of my choices together on my screen. I chose the one I liked the best as a guide for selecting the colors in the real quilt.
The lattice was pieced together in long strips of fabric which was hand painted in diagonal rainbow stripes, alternating with strips in graduated shades of gray. This pieced fabric was then cut across and re-pieced with long strips of another highly patterned hand painted fabric. The circles were machine appliquéd after the grid was complete.
Many different colors of cotton and polyester top stitching thread were used for the quilting, which is an organic fantasy of plumes, flowers and spirals, in contrast to the regular geometry of the grid.
This quilt was made as a commission for the home of Laura Reardon in Meridian Idaho. |
