Kaylene Maalste – Entrance – Open Cut Mine
Entrance has many definitions and when I was exploring different ideas I went from the most obvious meaning of gateways, doors, arches, natures entrances such as caves etc. But I decided to be abstract in my thinking and relate this to the environment and from memory I had read an article about a new open cut mine, so I chose to depict this as my choice of the meaning of an entrance…man’s entrance into the earth, while open cut mines create interesting lines and patterns we must remember how destructive they are to the environment.
I used batik fabrics and the sew and slash method were I had 5 layers of fabric to begin with and cut back into the layers. Finished with wool embellishment and free motion quilting.
Close up view:
FIFTEEN BY FIFTEEN 
What an unusual ‘entry’! I’m glad there’s a ‘magnification’ feature on the photos so I could look more closely at your work. Great interpretation!
I like the idea of an entrance into the earth and the way you have used the layers to give depth.
I love this, the depth produced by layering is wonderful a really interesting take on the subject!
A very thoughtful interpretation of the subject and this is a technique which really lends itself to that, giving interest and depth. I love the colours you have used and the stitching finishes it all off beautifully
An unusual entrance. Really nice colours. I can see the insects disappear in it.
What a wonderful and different interpretation of the theme. Love it.
A clever interpretation of the theme, and you have certainly used Australian colours. We have similar mines in New Zealand but our earth colours are completely different.. A great use of the technique of layering and cutting back fabrics.