A group of internet artists from all over the place who have decided to give each other a challenge every few weeks, on a theme chosen by each in turn. We have different ideas and styles, but share a love of textiles, and want to have some fun.


Friday 25 November 2011

Done!


Having already done a Through the Window piece for the last challenge, I felt I needed to do something deifferent for this one - and what a journey it has been.  I started from a book I'd been reading, Ruth First's 117 Days, in which she describes her period of solitary confinement (without trial) under the 90-day rule during the apartheid era in South Africa.  It's a powerful description and the mark one piece was almost a sort of illustration of the desciption of her cell in the book.  As I made the piece. I began to reflect on all the other ways in which people may be solitary and confined - for example through ill health, depression, domestic abuse, political oppression, bullying or simply being housebound..  By yesterday night I had not resolved the two ideas and I was dissatisfied with what the quilt had become, but I went to bed thinking I would at least get it finished and off my conscience.

At 4 a.m. I woke with the idea of this piece fully formed, jotted down a few notes and luckily got back to sleep.  Today has been a rush to get it finished - but at least that has made me keep it simple.  All that remains from the orifinal piece is the barred cell window, and I apologise for the fact that the view is not through the window  but this side of the barred window.  Though it's a bit wobbly and rough round the edges I don't find that a problem on this occasion, as it seems to suit the subject-matter.

It is open to a number of interpretations - feel free to ask your own questions and provide your own answers...

Next time I'll start earlier!

4 comments:

Jenny said...

I like this although I hope it doesn't reflect your state of mind!

I did a series with cell bars for CQ's JQs based on 'Four Walls doth not a prison make' etc. and hope to return to it.

Elma in Lochwinnoch said...

Goodness, Sandra.......what a thought provoking piece...I love it!

magsramsay said...

What a thoughtful piece. I'm so impressed you finished it so quickly but isn't it often the thinking behind it that takes the time?

Julie said...

This is such a powerful piece Sandra and evokes many emotions. Your 'through the window' is there in the interpretation of a glimpse of life beyond the isolation. Well done for finishing and I hope you're getting better sleep now ;-)