New Work - Tropical Depression

Tropical Depression

I am happy to share another brand new quilt, Tropical Depression. It's one of the quilts making its debut at the Virginia Quilt Museum in my solo show, Beyond the Blue: Contemporary Narrative Quilts by Sue Reno. The exhibit runs from August 16 - October 23, with a reception on September 23.

Tropical Depression, detail 1

As weather patterns shift and storms become more extreme, around the world and in my corner of it in suburban Pittsburgh, PA, I find myself making weather-related quilts. I spend a lot of time outdoors observing nature, and what may seem like small events taken individually add up to seismic shifts in the way I perceive the world around me. Tropical Depression references weather systems that are often the precursors to tropical storms and hurricanes; even without progressing they can dump a lot of rainfall. From time to time they make they make their way onto land and travel up the coast, and can cause severe thunderstorms.

Tropical Depression, detail 2

Here I am capturing some of the energy of these storms, using native Virginia creeper wet cyanotype prints and a somewhat chaotic summertime palette. The swirl in the main print, and the echo quilting, reminds me of wind contour and flow pattern weather maps.

Tropical Depression, detail 3

Again referencing the "Narrative" part of the exhibit theme, I have my own stories about riding out severe storms and their aftermaths, and I am leaving space for others to bring their own personal perceptions to the viewing experience.

Tropical Depression, detail 4

 In addition the the wet process cyanotype/solarfast prints, Tropical Depression has patchwork made from commercial and artist-painted silks and cottons, and is heavily stitched. The size is 48" x 37".

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