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:
It turned out great!
Good luck, I agree it turned out great!
WOW!! Outstanding and yes you did a great job! Good luck!
I love it too!
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!!!)
It is wonderful. Funny how you were sorry to see it go:)
I hope it travels to Houston so I can see it! Great piece, Kay!
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!
Wonderful! good luck with the challenge, Im glad you made something you are completely happy with - a challenge in itself, i find.
Wonderful! Love it, Kay!
It's terrific! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you...
I am half Indian, and have been there twice...and you have definitely captured the essence of Indian art here! Great job!
I really like the way it turned out. Very elegant. Will you get it back to put in our quilt show?
It's spectacular Kay. I just love it!
Very beautiful! I love the way it sparkles.
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.
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.
No wonder you love it and miss it...it is exquisite, a Self-Realized quilt!
It is a gorgeous job.
I'm so glad that you feel so good about the end project. It looks great!
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.
Good luck with this wonderful piece.
Love your elephant quilt. What a great way to incorporate that fabric. Good luck!
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