Yesterday was the last day of QuiltCon 2023 and I am honoured that David Owen Hastings and Teresa Duryea Wong selected Dreamlines #3 (2009 140x90cm) to feature in their lecture 10 Modern Masterpieces. And in such esteemed company 🥰
About Dreamlines #3
I made this work as a reimagining of a traditional strippy quilt for the “New Traditions from Old Favourites” category in the QuiltNSW Sydney Quilt Show 2009 where it took out first prize. The vertical/strippy format provided a compositional framework which enabled me to explore the interaction of improv linear and geometric units, saturated colour and the vagaries of positive and negative space. I intentionally kept the irregular edge as cropping would drain away the energy. The cross-stitch motif continues to echo in my work today. It is made from a combination of my own hand-dyed fabrics and a scrap pack that I purchased from Lisa Walton.
The Dreamtime laid down patterns of life for Aboriginal people, an eternal thread connecting past, present and future. Similarly, through dreams, we can absorb and transcend our surroundings and be transported to a new reality. To dare to dream is to dare to live.
I am always interested to hear about what other people find and see. I like to scrunch up my eyes and imagine. Maybe it’s a regal cape of gold and purple hues? Or a silk scarf unfurled with precious gems nonchalantly tumbling out? Or something completely different! Let me know what you see!
Join the Dreamlines Project
Revisiting Dreamlines #3 inspired me to develop the Dreamlines Project, a free monthly art project where I share a linear design each month from January to October. In November we will explore different layout options. In December we will celebrate. The next module will be published on 1 March. New dreamers are welcome anytime.
