Life Totem

Here is my latest art quilt, Life Totem (23″ X 71″). It all began in a fit exasperation, tired of the endless practical duties which had taken over my life. I needed to make a quilt! So I began by making flower and bug “parts” and rummaging through my file of orphaned shapes from old projects.

The totem idea has been brewing since the Garden of Shadows quilt, so it was a natural way to organize the composition. The colors came automatically and the fabrics shapes are all hand dyed cotton. The background is white brocade, which creates a white on white pattern as a contrast to the solid colored applique.
As I moved the shapes the characters began to take form. I enjoy imposing extreme discipline on unruly objects, as you may have noticed. I think this is also one of the reasons I like to design fabric, which is my first challenge for the new year.
Enjoy your blessings and take it easy this week, my friends. Happy Holidays!!

11 Responses to “Life Totem”

  1. Lisa says:

    Beautiful! I wish the picture would go larger so I could see the detail better. 🙁 I love looking at your work closeup.

  2. Oh, Jane, this is so beautiful– and so YOU. I love to watch how your ideas unfold. i am in awe of your creative mind. Thank you for sharing this — it made me smile today.

    Diane

  3. Just had a thought, Jane — how about teaching a class on Creating Your Own Life Totem? I'd sign up! (Isn't is great the way I've come up with more things for you to do? . . .)

    Diane

  4. Love your process, Love your work!

  5. Edzellinni says:

    Jane: LOVE it. You are absolutely, hands down my biggest fabric/quilting inspiration.

  6. kanishk says:

    Thank you for sharing this — it made me smile today.

    Work from home India

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