This is the second video in my project which demonstrates how I sometimes create a quilt from an idea in my sketch pad to fabric and finally to the machine for quilting. It shows how I used the first painting as a template to develop the design. Using tracing paper, I add details to the figure and background. For my background I have used a commercially printed fabric instead of my own hand dyed cottons.
I have always been inspired by the work of
Gustave Klimt and in this piece I have incorporated elements inspired by the background pattern used in his works
Expectations and
Fulfilment. I realised that these patterns are
similar to the
Rams horn symbol used in Ghana and other regions of Africa. The Rams horn is a symbol of
Humility,
Excellence,
Wisdom and
Knowledge as mentioned in The book
The Royal Arts of Africa by Suzanne Preston Blier. I combined these elements and the final result can be seen below.
The completed quilt shows a female whose facial expression quietly displays the qualities of the Rams Horn symbol tattooed on her neck. Her hair evolves into a crown like halo which elevates her to a saintly presence.
Labels: African inspired, African symbols, Black beauty, black hair style, Caribbean art, faces, Klimt, portraits Beauty, quilting, textile art, working on commercially printed fabrics
