Iina Alho – Decay #3
Job #3: Mortality
This is the third piece in my series exploring The Book of Job through the theme of decay.
In this piece, I focus on the symbolism of moths.
Job uses the image of a moth-eaten garment to describe his own state of decline.
This metaphor reflects both his physical deterioration and the emotional toll of his suffering.
Job 13:28
So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths.
Elsewhere, Eliphaz, one of Job’s companions, also references moths to highlight the fragility of human life.
Job: 4:17-19
Can a mortal be more righteous than God? Can even a strong man be more pure than his Maker?
If God places no trust in his servants, if he charges his angels with error, how much more those who live in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who are crushed more readily than a moth!
In both instances, the moth serves as a symbol of decay, impermanence, and mortality.
“Job #3: Mortality” is pieced and fused.
It is freemotion quilted, freemotion appliquéd, hand embroidered, painted and the cheese cloth is dyed.
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
Keeping the same colours for the different pieces of your series is a great idea ! it give a real continuity. The texture you have given with the quiting and the layers are so effective ! Bravo !
The moths are wonderful if even I have a phobia of moths! They do such much damage and are so hard to get rid of. The detail in your work is wonderful and I like the way that you have interpreted the sense of decay, impermanence and mortality. Great work, well done.
Stunning, it is a very creative use of colour, and fibre.
Love how you created so much texture and depth in the tattered, moth eaten fabrics and all the stitching. Wonderful interpretation of decay, well done.
Fascinating – I had to go back and re-read these passages in Job as I had done an in-depth study of this book many years ago. The moth references were revealed to me in a different way. Your composition is intriguing, I love how it causes the eye to gently move from one side to the other.
The choice of the subject is interesting . The good composition and also the use of a minimum color.
What a great way to showcase the theme of rotting fabric. I love the detailing the fabric and the way you have depicted the moths. This is a lovely addition to your series
As a physical item your quilt is just perfectly done. What exites me more is what can’t be seen with the naked eye but only with heart: the idea of human mortality, the impermanence of human existence. I wonder if our ideas will be wasted away as our bodies will deteriorate?
Love how the cheese cloth is draped over the applique and over the edges.
Your quilting pattern even gives it more texture. The addition of the moths creates a certain rhythm. Beautiful interpretation of decay.
A great extension of your series. I like the colours and the moths themselves are beautifully created.
Stunning work. Beautiful composition and textures. The attention to the quilting details is incredible. Bravo!
This is a great way to deal with the subject of decay and man’s mortality. Love the many textures and my eyes wandered around the piece to find all the moths. The colors so recognizable. Well done!
Wow, another amazing piece. You bring so much drama and hidden meanings to this story, brilliant!
I love how you used the cheesecloth. Great stitching!