My First Art Quilt (or Life Drawing 101)

Have you ever taken a life drawing class? It involves drawing the human figure over and over...and over.

While in art school, I drew myself, my family, fellow students, and numerous uninhibited nude models. When I learned that the final project for the life drawing course was a self-portrait, I just could not face another charcoal drawing. Luckily I had just attended my first quilt show, The Houston International Quilt Festival, so I had an idea! Texas Big Hair, 1994, 36" x 30"

The instructor did not mandate the medium so I turned to fabric to “draw” the final project. I used black and white fabrics to create a background reminiscent of paper and charcoal; fused images formed the portrait. The hair needed more work to pay homage to true Texas Big Hair but my professor was intrigued with my unique approach. More importantly, the door to the fiber arts was opened.

Original Glamour Shot of me and my daughter in 1991 use as inspiration for self portrait.

Comments

[Margaret in Mirror, Alberta]

First art quilt? I thought you made AQs as a matter of course...

P.S. Love the "Big Hair"!

[BJ]

Suzan, What a wonderful portrait of two glamorous women! and I love the story behind it.