Joan Brailsford – Time #5
Time and Trees: Felled
Trees are sometimes used as a commercial crop and once these have reached their optimal size they are felled completely. I was inspired by the piles of logs that line the forest tracks and the huge voids left in the landscape when this happens. It always makes me feel sad to see such a huge number of trees laid low.
I used a very dilute silk paint to give a background colour to the piece then overprinted this several times with transfer paint to give more depth to the background. I added commercial space-dyed fabric to wadding and used hand stitching to outline the logs and to fill the gaps between them, and to make the ‘thick’ logs stand out slightly. I the printed one of my pictures of log piles onto sheer fabric and added this to the background, before then placing the ‘thick’ logs on to of these.
Machine quilting was then used around all the logs to make the ‘thick’ logs stand out further and to highlight the logs on the sheer fabric. Behind these I used machine quilting above the logs to suggest the ghosts of the trees that once stood there. Further small stitches were added by hand as reminders of the leaves and colours that the trees once gave to the landscape.
Detail views:
Inspiration
Logical but sad continuation to your story of trees over the time. Hope you will find some joy in your last quilt of this series. Interesting and very effective technique of making logs.
This piece is deceptive it looks so simple but as one draws closer and closer there is so much detail. Adding the pile in front gives more depth to the piece, lovely work, well done!
The contrast between the soft, ghost-like background and the heavily textured, hand-stitched logs perfectly captures that heartbreaking sense of loss and emptiness. Well done.
I like this abstract yet easily recognizable way you’ve depicted the logs.
Exciting choice of colors and beautiful stitching.
How clever to use the printed version in combination with how you did the logs on the left side. I love the colours of the background and the gost trees are excellent.
It is always sad when a tree has to be cut down – but you have made a lovely quilt in tribute to these natural wonders. I like the contrast between the light background and the dark, heavy logs.
Great translation of tree felling. Masterclass in techniques. Bravo
I love this piece ! we can follow the light from top to bottom. You achieved a beautiful transparency with the different layers of paints.
The contrast between each element keeps one’s eye moving throughout the piece. Your use of color greatly enhances the overall appeal.