Monday, June 27, 2011

Remember Paducah?

Long ago, I said I would post some more photos from the AQS Show in Paducah.  So here they are, better late than never.  I've put off this post for several reasons, one of which is that I don't have many pictures.  I'm impatient, and photograph only what really catches my attention, and so finish without much to show.  Accordingly, this is a very personal set of photos, not intended to be inclusive, and you're also going to get my opinions, not necessarily so humble.

There are certain popular themes or styles in the quilts at this show, one of which is the Baltimore Album style appliqued quilt.  You'll see no pictures of these because I have none.  I find the design so static and predictable I tend to pass these quilts by quickly.  This is unfair to the beautiful workmanship, I know, but they get the admiration they deserve from many other people.

Another popular type is the medallion quilt.  They're also static, by definition, but here's one I loved.

The Lily Bloomed
Fusako Takido

 She's created movement with the curving stems of the lilies and the pattern on the fabric in those tiny triangles.  The soft color scheme sets this quilt apart too, and grabbed my eye.

I love the way the Japanese quilters breathe so much life into these regular designs by their fabric choices and fussy cutting.  The colors are subtle usually, it's the pattern that does the work.
Brilliance
Yaeko Noguchi


In the Future
Hiroko Miyamoto

I love the op art effect of this one.
A Beam of Hope
Kayoko Hata

Then there are the landscape quilts, not a favorite of mine, but this one was stunning.  Unfortunately it was at the back of the booth, so I couldn't get close to it to see how it's done.
Winterberries on a Winter's Green
Patricia A. Bruno
The color of that sky is glorious--a perfect winter dawn.

And there's whimsy:  I love this one.


A Day in the Life of a Diner Booth
Linda Cantrell

Finally, here a few done with special techniques that appeal to me.  An effective use of altered photos in this one, along with beautiful quilting.  Could it be that I'm partial to winter scenes?  Hmm.
Feel the Chill
Nancy Sterett Martin

She really has a created a feeling of chill.

The fabric designs of the animals and plants in this one are screen printed and stamped.
Memories of Edgewood Farm-Hinton, Iowa
Hallie H. O'Kelly

And a painted fabric piece by Inge Mardal and Steen Hougs.  This one is notable for the totally unsentimental, almost disturbing quality of the image.  It reminds me of a Magritte.  As my sister said, "What are they going to do with those little boys?"
Separate Ways

And finally in no particular category and for no reason except it's such fun:

Some Assembly Required
Margie Engel

Click to see the embellishments.  As well as hundreds of buttons, there are zippers, snaps, hooks, etc.  A totally delightful quilt!

I hope you've enjoyed this totally biased selection of the best of the best.  As you see, sometimes the judges agree with my choices, and sometimes they didn't.  Quelle domage.




5 comments:

Debra Dixon said...

An eclectic collection of quilts. I'm not sure I would have picked any of them. I guess that's the beauty of a quilt show. There's something for everyone.

Libby Fife said...

That one with the little boys is very creepy!

I liked the diner one a lot. I guess I am drawn to pieces that tell a little story.

The traditional selections were beautiful too but I can see where it would all be too much after awhile. Such a tremendous amount of work. Wow.

Thanks for the pics of an event that I might otherwise never see.

*karendianne. said...

Kay, what a display and I am particularly appreciative of what you highlighted so I could get more out of each quilt.

You cracked me up with your penchant for the chill. I'll remind you of that in a few months my friend, in a few months.

The Japanese quilters reside in a whole other category it feels like, ya know?

Barbara C said...

Thanks for your highlights. That first applique quilt is just luminous, and the range of quilts is so rich.

Deborah M. said...

Kay - thanks for posting. I saw the Japanese quilts at Houston. They were stunning!