Flight of the Spirit Birds Quilt
My quilting has never been what you would call traditional. I recall one spring when the Art Museum in the city I live in at the time said that my work was too much like quilts while the Historical Museum rejected the same work as far too non-traditional and controversial for their show. I guess I like the medium but I have never liked making traditional quilts that people would put on beds. I don’t have one quilt on a bed in my home, yet quilts such as the one you see here adorn my walls.
Ryoka No Seishen Tori, which measures 53″ x 78″, was made while I was doing a lot of collaborative work with companies and quilters in Japan. It seemed that at that time a lot of my work was being shown internationally, and while it traveled the world I traveled the United States teaching quilting, or in my studio producing commission work.
I long to be able to see half the places my art quilts could “see”. While Japan is not on my “bucket” list, I would love to be able to travel. While I have never been able to make that trip I remember all the friends and business associates I befriended each and every time I look at this fun and colorful piece. I travel, with the spirit birds, to those lands I could not physically touch, to be with those that I shared so much.
Made on my Pfaff computerized sewing machine it is comprised of cotton fabrics from all around the world, and embellishments that were fun to collect. The main figure was salvaged from a vintage Japanese boys day banner that I was lucky enough to find in my travels as I taught quilting classes across the United State.
Flight of the Spirit Birds quilt is featured on Skip to My Lou Make it Mondays.
About Marge Burkell
I've had many chapters in my life and have worn many hats. Wife, mother, grandmother, artist, business owner and professional. I would love to share them with you. So grab a coffee and stick around a while! Welcome to "Honey I AM the HELP!"
