From Ordinary to Extraordinary

From Ordinary to Extraordinary - An Art Quilt Show in Chandler

“Something extraordinary goes above and beyond what is expected. Extraordinary magic can be woven through ordinary daily life, and heroes are ordinary people who do extraordinary things.” 

 Georgia Heller, Juror for Art Quilts XXIV

We planned a bike ride to include a stop at this exhibit - we weren't disappointed. Unlike last year, when we attended the Art Quilt Challenge, it was easy to see the connection of the quilts to the declared theme; the displayed quilts were exceptional in quality, creativity and addressed the theme clearly. So thrilling. Most of these images were taken by Bill which speaks to the impressive art!

These first two were created from photo images applied to fabric:  

A rare (Patagonian) glacier that is continuing to grow 

Manipulated photo of Bird of Paradise

Image of Mexican embroiderers painted on fabric and then quilted - 

looks like a photo

Aboriginal  symbolism

Artist recreated the wooden "roof" of a kiva.

A kiva is a room used by Puebloans for religious rituals and political meetings, many of them associated with the kachina belief system. Among the modern Hopi and most other Pueblo people, kivas are square-walled and underground, and are used for spiritual ceremonies.

Origami paths

Lichen

The $4500 ask price for this piece (about 4'x6') would be worth every penny! So many layers of silk fabric, die cut nonwovens and extensive stitching make this a stunning piece.

What you can't see in these photos is the miles and pounds of thread in each piece! Some of the most touching themes dealt with changing memory function, messages left for a bereaved woman that she embroidered on fabric and a woman's memory of homey things that give her comfort as she ages.