Because Anyone Can Paint

25" w x 23" ht. (2007)

The Trend Tex Challenge (CQA) for 2007 involved 5 fabrics and the theme question "Why do I Quilt?" You were allowed to add three other fabrics ( I added a med. blue, black and white).

My first idea was to portray an artist sitting at an easel, with the title "Because it's like painting with fabric." I started a search on the internet to find a pose and proportions for an artist at an easel. My search engine listed a website that showed an elephant at an easel. The absurdity of this concept (paintings by elephants are sold to raise money for wildlife funds and zoos) was both appealing, and made a point I wanted to illustrate.

While exhibiting my work a couple of years ago, an art gallery director, upon hearing that I hand-painted in tiny details, asked me, "Well, why don't you paint the whole thing?"

I think he was kidding, a little, but this is my answer! (Other than the fact that just painting it would be too easy!!)

Machine Appliquéd, Thread painting, Free-motion machine quilted, hand painted details.

Awards: Viewer's Choice, 2nd place and Judge's Choice.