Monday, July 27, 2009

You Can See the Elephant Now...

Time to reveal my Hoffman Challenge entry:

From this:



to this:


I Dreamed of an Elephant 29 x 35

I really did dream of an elephant: Since paisleys are originally Indian, I looked through my art books for Indian designs, seeing if that would give me an idea for this fabric, but I had no success. A week or so later, I dreamed an elephant with trappings featuring this paisley tree design. This is a rather common Indian or Moghul motif; I'd put it in the subconscious memory file, and it popped out later. Deciding on a setting for my elephant was much harder. I combined two Dover book drawings to make the elephant and rider, drew the palanquin myself based on other designs and paintings, and then I was stuck. After lots of thinking and advice, I abandoned my original idea, and planned the arch based on Persian carpets in The Grammar of Ornament.

I enjoyed this project. No matter what the outcome, it's the first challenge I've made that doesn't feel wrong to me--not my style, not what I intended, not satisfactory. I missed it when it was gone!

23 comments:

Vicki W said...

It turned out great!

The Calico Cat said...

Good luck, I agree it turned out great!

His Office, My Studio said...

WOW!! Outstanding and yes you did a great job! Good luck!

Unknown said...

I love it too!

*karendianne. said...

Oh Kay!

You've captured the spirit of the Elephant. You've wrapped him in his history of India. With honor.

Elephant Wisdom, *karendianne.

(ps: totally dig the dream part of the story! very cosmic!!!)

Libby Fife said...

It is wonderful. Funny how you were sorry to see it go:)

Debra Dixon said...

I hope it travels to Houston so I can see it! Great piece, Kay!

Candace said...

Kay - it is stunning and so clever! Roughly in Hindi, I would say "bahut autcha hai" - something like - how very nice it is. My spelling is phoenetical, but heartfelt!
Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! good luck with the challenge, Im glad you made something you are completely happy with - a challenge in itself, i find.

jenclair said...

Wonderful! Love it, Kay!

floribunda said...

It's terrific! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you...

Beena said...

I am half Indian, and have been there twice...and you have definitely captured the essence of Indian art here! Great job!

Moonlit Goddess said...

I really like the way it turned out. Very elegant. Will you get it back to put in our quilt show?

dee said...

It's spectacular Kay. I just love it!

Barbara C said...

Very beautiful! I love the way it sparkles.

laura west kong said...

How beautiful! I can't wait to see it in person.

I did not do the challenge this year again after all. Didn't buy the fabric, but I bought a whole bunch of beads to go with it, so now I've got to bead something or the other up with them.

Liz in Kansas said...

Oh, wow! What a great piece of work. I'm not surprised you miss it. It is a wonderful piece. I think this year's fabric is really inspiring - although my first impression was Ick! Good luck in the competition.

allie aller said...

No wonder you love it and miss it...it is exquisite, a Self-Realized quilt!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

It is a gorgeous job.

Deb Geyer said...

I'm so glad that you feel so good about the end project. It looks great!

sophie said...

Whatever the judges think of it, you've definitely found some fans in blogland . . . including me. It's a wonderful, inventive use of the fabric. I love it.

Joyce said...

Good luck with this wonderful piece.

Kathleen said...

Love your elephant quilt. What a great way to incorporate that fabric. Good luck!