Plume Poppy reveal; Images 2010 Acceptance

I'm happy to reveal my newest major work, Plume Poppy. It's very large--81"h x 74" w--and very intricate. Plume Poppies are one of my favorite garden plants; I love them for their huge glaucous leaves and the delicate little flowers on the plumes, but mostly just for their sturdy and reliable presence. I began this work almost five years ago out of a desire to portray what I find so captivating about the plant, and have worked in fits and starts since then, while addressing the various conceptual, design and construction challenges. You can track it back as a work-in-progress by clicking on "Plume Poppy" under Labels in the right sidebar.

The plume is a cyanotype, enhanced with small seed beads to add the bit of coral color the blossoms acquire as they mature. To the right and the left of the plume are handpainted silk noil panels. The center panel is also a cyanotype, delineated with a lot of stitching. I love the way small leaves develop in the axils of the large leaves.

The side panels are heliographic prints done with textile paints, also heavily stitched, and with semi-precious stones sewn on the stem junction. All of the panels are joined by bands of patchwork, made from handpainted and commercial cottons, silks and wool.

I made this art quilt more because I was driven to do so than as a practical venture. It can be problematic to find exhibit venues for a work of this size. Therefore I am thrilled to be able to announce that it has been accepted into Images 2010 at the Robeson Gallery at Pennsylvania State University. I've been lucky enough to have work at this venue previously, and I know from experience they do an excellent job of displaying the work and lighting it properly. The show runs from June 9th to July 11th, with an opening reception on 6/11 that I'm looking forward to attending.

Also selected by juror Dan Mills was White Mulberry. This one is so much better in person than my best photographic efforts can do justice to--the greens and purples don't come out quite as true as I'd like--so I'm really pleased at the opportunity to exhibit it.