April Take It Further Challenge - Change

As mentioned back here, the April theme for Sharon's Take it Further Challenge is change and we were challenged to represent how we think about change in creating our piece, whatever the media.

I am using my little tree quilt as the whole time I was making it I was thinking about how it mirrored my thoughts on the subject! I've made some little changes to the quilt from when it was first posted - partly to try and fix problem areas (!) and also to make a stronger connection with the TIF challenge.

The tree represents nature and in nature change is inevitable. We really shouldn't have so much trouble accepting what is effectively inevitable. But I was also thinking about how there are times when we are better off initiating the change rather than waiting for it! This can mean leaving a safe and secure place (or comfort zone), going it alone (just like the fallen apple!), trying something different.

On my quilt I have used a twill tape that has been printed like a measuring tape and I thought that was quite appropriate - firstly because it reflects measurement (how much change) but also because it also has associations with growth and to my mind, change and growth are very much associated. The tape is used as a border though to also represent the boundaries that we create and the limitations we place on ourselves.The little file label has the word "journey" in it as our lives are a journey, a journey of growth and change!

For me this was the first time I have painted, stamped and stitched on a canvas panel as part of a quilt so it hopefully reflects my urge to try new things and to expand my mixed media experiments.

And now to get back to some "home" fabric postcards I am making for an exchange (one of my favourite themes but they are bringing out the country in me!! Seems to be happening a lot lately...)

And to finish - here is a shot of a small patch of dry earth somewhere between Meekatharra and Wiluna in the Western Australian outback. I took my camera with me on a "pit stop" on my recent work trip as the texture of dried out ground fascinates me. Just had to share (and yes this shot was taken on the way back to the car!!)