Els Mommers – Book #5
Artist Statement: Book #5: HISTORY OF SABA: JUANCH0 E. YRAUSQUIN AIRPORT.
For the majority of Saba’s history the island was only accessible by sea.
The selection of Flat Point for the first landing was no coincidence, since it was the only location on Saba level enough to attempt the dangerous landing. It is flanked on one side by high hills and a sea cliff at the end.
Rémy de Haenen, from the neighboring island St. Barthelomy, made the island’s first landing in 1959, but he was banned from repeating the landing, due to safety issues.
It was not until July 24, 1963 that Saba had its own fully functioning airport.
Its length is only 400 m (1312 ft) and it is the shortest commercial runway on the world. Only small propellor aircraft and helicopters can land here.
I used batik and ice-dyed fabric. Both partially over painted with acrylic paint. Raw edge applique and machine embroidery.
Sea and island are machine quilted.
The whole process can be seen on : http://kunamola.blogspot.com
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
I love the textures in your quilt, especially how you created the sea foam that forms when waves crash into the shore. Very inviting to fly to Saba some day!
Like Maryte I like how you have created the sea and the foam along the contours of the island. The little houses with red roofs are lovely !
Beautiful aerial view of Saba. Amazing the rough sea and the waves crashing against the rocks. As Maryte says, an exciting invitation to visit Saba.
A lovely view of Saba, you have managed to give an idea of the topography with the waves crashing along the shoreline. The colour of the landscape works well to show that the island is far from flat! Lovely work.
I love the sea foam! The quilting of the steepy hills gives dept.
Flying to Saba is quite an experience but worth it when you see the beauty of this island.
A great story telling quilt and beautifully stitched.
A wonderful depiction of your beautiful island and the impressive airport it has, so much depth, texture and perspective. Incredible techniques and attention to detail. Well done!
What a lovely aerial view of the island, with its verdant green hills, beautiful blue sea and little red-roofed houses. I love the way you have handled the stitching to give the textures of the landscape and the waves
The sea foam and the little red roofed houses certainly bring life and interest to your quilt. Very nice!
The colours are lovely and the quilting of land and sea is perfect. The runway must be very scary but the little houses are reassuringly welcoming.
Woawww, it looks like it would be scary to land there. Beautiful composition view from the sky. Incredible colours and attention to details. I love it!
Such lovely and bright colors. I also love the way you have created the sea foam. Landing there is apparently not for the faint hearted. Great stitching, wonderful piece!
Your work is great. The colors are so beautiful and the stitching is excellent as always.
Your Saba story rulez!